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ST. LOUIS — Mike Shane’s Illinois farm got a nice soaking on May 8, shortly after he planted his corn crop. Since then, rain has been hard to come by.
Plenty of storms have ventured close only to fizzle out before making it to Shane’s 200-acre spread near Peoria.
“It comes across the Mississippi River and then just disappears,” Shane, 47, said. “My corn looks absolutely terrible right now.” Without substantial rain soon, “I just don’t see any hope for it,” he said.
Heavy rain over the winter eased the drought in the West, but now the middle of the country is extraordinarily dry. Crops are stressed, rivers are running low, and cities and towns are anxiously hoping for a break in the weather.
Experts say the drought in the central U.S. is the worst since at least 2012, and in some areas, is drawing comparisons to the 1988 drought that devastated corn, wheat and soybean crops. This year, although temperatures have been generally mild through the spring and early days of summer, rainfall has been sorely lacking.
The U.S. Drought Monitor, operated by the federal government and the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, reports that nearly half of Kansas is in either extreme or exceptional drought condition — the highest drought designation. More than a quarter of Nebraska is in extreme drought, and 13% is in exceptional drought. Arid conditions permeate Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri and Kentucky.
The frequency and intensity of droughts and rainfall are increasing due to burning fossil fuels and other human activity that releases greenhouse gases, according to data from a pair of satellites used to measure changes in Earth’s water storage. The study was published in March in the journal Nature Water.
Adam Hartman, a meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, said some parts of the central U.S. have been experiencing extreme drought since the winter. In other states, “flash droughts” have popped up over the past 2-3 months.
“As a result you’ve see drastic losses in topsoil, subsoil moisture,” Hartman said. “We’ve seen ground water levels start to lower as well. We’ve seen stream flows start to decline.”
Crops are feeling the impact. The U.S. Department of Agriculture now rates only half of the U.S. corn crop as good or excellent — the lowest percentage since 1988. Nearly two-thirds of the nation’s corn-growing areas are in drought.
“That gives us some indicator that we’re seeing widespread stress on those crops throughout the Corn Belt,” said Krista Swanson, an economist for the National Corn Growers Association.
If rains don't arrive soon, Swanson believes total yield could be down about 1 billion bushels from the original projection of 16.7 billion bushels.
That won’t necessarily mean higher costs for consumers because much of the corn is used for feed, ethanol or is exported, Swanson said. The real impact is on the farmers.
“Their cost-per-acre is the same regardless of what they produce,” Swanson said. “In these years where we have lower production, on the farmer side that’s a challenge.”
Water levels are dipping in rivers. The Mississippi River — especially from southern Illinois to the south — is extremely low in many spots. It was just last fall that the river reached or neared record low-water marks in several places, only to bounce back to flood levels in the spring, before the latest drought-fueled decline.
Lynn Muench, a senior vice president for the American Waterways Operators, which advocates for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, said barge capacity is being voluntarily reduced on parts of the Mississippi River.
Losing capacity is a financial setback but operators are taking it in stride, Muench said.
“We’re a flexible and resilient industry so we’ll keep going,” he said.
Colin Wellenkamp, executive director of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, said many communities are on edge. The drought last fall cost river communities billions of dollars in losses due to increased energy and water purification costs, lost tourism revenue, commodity losses and other hits.
“Now we’re right back into drought again,” Wellenkamp said. So far, impact has been minimal, “but if we don’t get relief in July, that’s all going to change,” he said.
On Shane's 200-acre farm, corn should be standing 10 feet tall by now. It's barely to his waist. The leaves are yellowed and Shane isn't certain the ears of corn are even developing.
“If that's the case, it's worthless,” he said.
But farmers aren't giving up hope. Swanson said the El Nino weather pattern that has taken hold typically means more rain and better growing conditions in the central U.S.
“We could see more favorable weather over the next two months, which could have a positive impact,” she said.
But even with El Nino, Hartman noted that the seasonal outlook for the summer months projects below-normal rainfall. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/central-us-drought-crops-stressed-rivers-running-low/63-89388c93-0934-4609-913c-cdcef881529f | 2023-06-29T22:50:08 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/central-us-drought-crops-stressed-rivers-running-low/63-89388c93-0934-4609-913c-cdcef881529f |
DES MOINES, Iowa — June has been a busy month for the United States Supreme Court. Just this week, the Supreme Court handed down rulings regarding independent state legislature theory and affirmative action.
SCOTUS is also expected to release its opinion on President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan on Friday morning.
Brent Appel, a former Iowa Supreme Court justice and a professor at the Drake University Law School, spoke with Local 5's Dana Searles about these decisions and how they might impact Iowans.
You can find the full interview above.
Questions and responses may be edited for length and/or clarity.
Independent state legislature theory
Local 5: How did the independent state legislature theory ruling play out and how might it impact Iowans?
Appel: State supreme courts are generally thought to be the ultimate arbiter of state constitutional provision. So, in Moore v. Harper, there were two cases: One in Maryland where the Democrats were engaged in partisan gerrymandering, and the other in North Carolina where the Republicans were engaged in partisan gerrymandering. In those cases, state supreme courts invalidated legislatively-approved redistricting plans that were designed to favor one particular political party over another. The question of Moore v. Harper was whether the federal constitution would permit states to engage in this kind of regulation.
The key part of the United States Constitution was Article One, Section Four, Clause One, which basically says time, place and manner will be prescribed by the legislature of each state. The question in Moore v. Harper was, if the constitution specifies the legislature of each state, it says nothing about the courts or gubernatorial vetoes. So the claim was made that the legislature is independent of its court system, independent of the governor. The legislature means the legislature. So once a map is drawn by [the] legislature, state courts cannot intervene.
If this theory had been embraced by the United States Supreme Court, hundreds of state constitutional law provisions would have been struck down, hundreds of cases overturned and lots of delegation of power to election commissioners and states would have been invalid. But the Supreme Court, 6-3, held that ordinary judicial review by state supreme courts was consistent with the federal constitution. So the general proposition coming out of Moore is that state supreme courts, under state constitutional provisions, may review partisan gerrymandering for compliance with state constitutional provision.
Local 5: Do you agree that the Iowa Supreme Court holds independent authority to interpret the state law?
Appel: As a general matter, the Iowa Supreme Court is the ultimate decider of state constitutional law issues. They can look to federal law for guidance, to the United States Supreme Court for guidance, they can look to the Supreme Court of Minnesota for guidance. But I think all commentators would agree, at least in Iowa, that the Iowa Supreme Court has independent authority. There may be some desire on the part of members of the court to defer to federal authority based on some notion of uniformity. But of course, we have 50 states and 50 independent constitutions. Diversity was baked into the cake when our country was formed.
Local 5: Could the Iowa Supreme Court rule something differently?
Appel: The bottom line is Iowa has had nonpartisan reapportionment for the last 50 years. And it seems to me it's served Iowa quite well. So, what is Moore v. Harper say to the Iowa Supreme Court? Well, there is no federal obstacle for the Iowa Supreme Court to engage in the power of ordinary judicial review of any kind of reapportionment plan in the state of Iowa.
Local 5: Given this ruling, could the Iowa Supreme Court take a different direction on other U.S. Supreme Court rulings?
Appel: When the United States Supreme Court, based on the federal constitution, says a state cannot take certain action, a Supreme Court has to salute it and say, 'That's right.' When the United States Supreme Court based on federal law declines to offer protection, as in partisan gerrymandering, but a state wants to go further, under a state constitution it may. So it depends on the nature of the federal case. But if the federal government holds up a stop sign and says 'Stop, you cannot do this under the federal constitution,' the Iowa Supreme Court must follow that mandate.
Affirmative Action
Local 5: As a current college professor, can you share your thoughts about how colleges may approach the recent ruling?
Appel: Well, every admissions officer is going to review the decision with great care and determine what is permitted and what is not permitted. To the extent the United States Supreme Court has declared that certain types of activities are not permitted under the U.S. Constitution, that will be binding on public universities.
Student loan forgiveness
Local 5: Looking ahead to Friday's student loan decision, how do you think that will impact Iowans? Is this something that could be left open for state interpretation?
Appel: The student loan case involves a larger principle, which is to what extent may Congress delegate policymaking power to agencies, to the president, outside of Congress? There's no express statute expressly stating that the President may forgive all student loans. The statute in part suggests that the terms might be modified. The question is, what's the scope of modification?
The concept coming out of the New Deal was Congress could delegate quite a bit. I would say after the New Deal, the law tended to permit delegations of power. But the current Supreme Court is reexamining some of those decisions, looking into whether Congress has to be more specific in the delegation of its authority. In the past, I think some courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, has been more generous in those interpretations.
For the Iowa Supreme Court, the question might be under the Iowa Constitution, to what extent can the General Assembly delegate power to state agencies? The Iowa Supreme Court is free to develop its own delegation doctrine under the state constitution. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/brent-appel-interview-independent-state-legislature-scotus-opinions-affirmative-action-moore-v-harper/524-970369bd-1e31-49b0-b7c7-a5923082fd21 | 2023-06-29T22:50:09 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-politics/brent-appel-interview-independent-state-legislature-scotus-opinions-affirmative-action-moore-v-harper/524-970369bd-1e31-49b0-b7c7-a5923082fd21 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — There's a sticky — or rather, slippery — situation at a Des Moines park after vandals left their mark on some recent additions to the park's offerings.
The game of futsal is growing in popularity around the world: it is basically miniature soccer, with a smaller ball and playing field. Chesterfield Park in Des Moines opened a new court for community members to enjoy the game in spring 2023, but when park staff visited on Monday, they found that field a little more slick than they left it.
"We became aware when staff were here doing the daily checks, performing maintenance in the park when they discovered that oil had been dumped on the futsal court," said Mike Gaul, Parks Manager for Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
After getting that mess cleaned up, you might think that would be the end of the story. But when park staff came back the next morning, they were greeted by an unpleasant and unfortunately familiar sight.
Oil had been dumped onto the futsal court again, extending its closure as staff worked to clean up the slippery mess. Park officials filed a police report, hoping to find whoever left the mess behind.
"We cannot stress enough the importance of respecting our shared spaces and taking care of the facilities we are fortunate to have," Parks & Rec posted on Facebook. "By defacing our own community resources, we are only hurting ourselves."
"Vandalism like this is infrequent. To have it two days in a row is pretty, pretty disappointing. So it's not often that we run into situations like this," Gaul said.
And it's not just Des Moines parks that have been dealing with vandalism lately.
At Emma McCarth Lee Park in Ames, police believe that someone used fireworks to blow up a toilet earlier in June. Aside from closing facilities around the damage, Gaul says these incidents take resources away from important cleanup work at other local parks, as well.
"We have a dedicated group of men and women that take care of our parks and get them ready for the public, so seeing things like this is very disappointing and just adds difficulty to our job," he said.
After an additional degreasing session on Thursday, park officials say the court should be ready for futsal players again on Friday. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/vandals-spill-oil-on-chesterfield-park-futsal-court-vandalism-des-moines/524-6ff921e0-2f5e-440e-ada6-f850cebbcf7c | 2023-06-29T22:50:14 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/vandals-spill-oil-on-chesterfield-park-futsal-court-vandalism-des-moines/524-6ff921e0-2f5e-440e-ada6-f850cebbcf7c |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Concho Valley Republican Women, along with the Concho Valley Free Masons are hosting a community drive to collect and deliver needed supplies and goods to the U.S. Border Patrol, Del Rio Sector, during July.
Requested items include hand sanitizer, wet wipes, wound wash, snacks, bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellant, Gatorade, Powerade, Liquid IV powder, etc.
Agents work in heavy uniforms and extreme weather conditions.
Donations can be delivered to Shelburne Financial Services, 3177 Executive Drive in San Angelo from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Friday, June 30. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/supply-drive-to-benefit-us-border-patrol-planned-for-july/504-acbe659e-d3d4-479d-9b0e-8264fe9f5ac9 | 2023-06-29T22:51:45 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/supply-drive-to-benefit-us-border-patrol-planned-for-july/504-acbe659e-d3d4-479d-9b0e-8264fe9f5ac9 |
TURNER EARNS GATORADE AWARD
Century’s Brooks Turner has been named the North Dakota Gatorade Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
Turner won the 110-meter hurdles and high jump at the state track meet last month at the Bowl, helping the Patriots to the state Class A title. The 6-foot, 155-pound senior ran a time of 13.69 seconds, ranking 20th in the country. In the high jump, Turner cleared 6-6.
Also an all-state soccer player, Turner will compete in track and field at North Dakota State beginning this fall. He finished his high school career with a 3.86 grade point average.
MANDAN RODEO ON COWBOY CHANNEL
The 144th Mandan Rodeo Days will be broadcast on the Cowboy Channel and the Cowboy Channel+ app.
The Mandan Rodeo Days will be held July 2-4.
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Cowboy Channel+ can be downloaded at preferred app stores.
NDSU TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY
North Dakota State football season tickets go on sale Friday at 8 a.m.
Season ticket packages are available in all areas. Purchases come with an automatic Team Makers membership, flag and decal.
Tickets can be purchased at on GoBison.com/tickets.
NDSU’s home schedule: Sept. 9 (Maine), Sept. 16 (Central Arkansas), Sept. 30 (South Dakota), Oct. 21 (Western Illinois), Oct. 28 (Murray State) and Nov. 11 (Southern Illinois).
U-MARY RUN/WALK EVENT AUG. 26
The University of Mary's "I Made the Hill" 5K Run/Walk fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26.
The event begins at 8 a.m. at Prairie Rose Elementary School. The route includes the Missouri River, Bismarck-Mandan and finishes at the U-Mary track.
Medals awarded to the top three in each category. All finishers get a T-shirt.
Preregistration cost is $25 for adults and high school students grades 9-12. Youth race is $15. Cost is $10 more to register day of the race. Preregister at umary.edu/MAevents. | https://bismarcktribune.com/sports/local/area-sports-briefs-june-30/article_b5a492fe-16bd-11ee-bf77-3fb2515c581a.html | 2023-06-29T22:52:34 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/sports/local/area-sports-briefs-june-30/article_b5a492fe-16bd-11ee-bf77-3fb2515c581a.html |
New York City Mayor Eric Adams reached an agreement Thursday with the City Council for an approved budget of approximately $107 billion for fiscal year 2024 that includes increased funding for jobs and youth apprenticeships, as well as innovative educational programs for public school students.
As part of the budget deal, the report says, the city is expanding access to the discounted Fair Fares MetroCard program, providing more meals for seniors and low-income New Yorkers, and extending hours of many early childhood education slots so working families can more easily enroll their children.
In addition, the budget leverages higher-than-expected revenue to restore and provide additional funding for libraries and cultural institutions, which will be funded at a higher level in fiscal year 2024. In addition, no City of Education Department public schools New York (DOE) will have a lower initial budget than last year's initial budget, even if its student population has decreased, the report says.
“The agreement we reached comes in the midst of a budget cycle dominated by great challenges and unexpected crises, but I am proud to say that we have successfully navigated through these many rip currents to arrive at a strong and fiscally responsible budget,” Adams said. "Our mission isn't just saving money, it's setting priorities, including fair labor contracts for our unions, funding for education, the arts and our libraries, and support for New Yorkers most in need."
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The Enacted Budget was crafted amid an ongoing migrant crisis that is currently projected to cost the City $4.35 billion during fiscal years 2023 and 2024, with an estimated spending of $2.9 billion during fiscal year 2024 alone. New York City said it has served more than 81,000 immigrants since last spring and, thus far, has received inadequate federal and state assistance. For this reason, the city added $465 million in FY 24 to offset lower-than-expected federal aid for asylum seekers.
Investment highlights from the adopted FY24 budget include:
NYC Cleanup
- Continue to increase the frequency of citywide trash can collection ($22 million).
- Funding for the New York City Department of Sanitation's highway cleanup program, which includes a focus on cleaning highways, medians, and highway shoulders throughout the city ($9.6 million).
- Increase funding for the CleaNYC program, which cleans streets and sidewalks in specific corridors ($3 million).
- Expansion of neighborhood-based community navigators in Gun Violence Prevention Task Force districts ($1.9 million).
Support to Libraries and Cultural Institutions:
- Provide funding for beneficiaries of the Cultural Institutions Group and the Cultural Development Fund ($40 million).
- Additional funding for public library systems ($36 million).
Help for Young People and Working Families:
- Enhance the workforce to support salary increases for contracted human service providers ($40 million, increasing to $90 million in FY25).
- Increased annual funding for the Right to Counsel program ($36.6 million in FY24 and $30.6 million annually thereafter).
- Add 5,000 slots to “Work, Learn and Grow” to provide Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) participants with employment during the school year ($22.5 million).
- Increase baseline funding for fair rates to expand criterops ($20 million, bringing baseline funding to $95 million).
- Funding for 600 PromiseNYC child care spaces for undocumented children and their families ($16 million).
- Convert nearly 1,900 vacant standard early childhood education seats to extended-day seats so working families can use them more effectively ($15 million).
- Help City University of New York (CUNY) students overcome barriers and complete their degrees by adding funding for the Accelerate, Complete, Engage, and Accelerated Study in Associate programs ($14.1 million).
- Ongoing support for Community Schools, a vital resource that supports the whole child in and out of the classroom, including the provision of school-based health services, and the child's family with adult education classes and access to social services ($14 million).
- Provide free MetroCards for SYEP participants this summer ($11 million).
- Add 400 slots to the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development's year-round youth workforce programs for out-of-school, out-of-work youth, bringing total capacity to 1,739 slots ($6.6 million) .
- Continued funding for the DOE's Immigrant Family Engagement program , which helps parents who do not speak English or are outside of the nine standard translated languages to communicate with schools about their children's education ($4 million).
- Provide New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity with access to an online marketplace for local grocery stores through the "Groceries to Go" program ($5.6 million).
- Increase the reimbursement rate for senior home-delivered meals ($4.5 million).
- Funding for existing CUNY programs such as "College Now," "CUNY Explorers," and "Career Launch" ($5 million).
- Provide funding for K-12 arts education ($4 million).
- Help connect New Yorkers to apprenticeships, improve the city's workforce development system, and establish a new community hiring program as authorized by recently passed state legislation ($2.7 million).
- Increase funding for Housing Navigators to connect runaway and homeless youth with safe housing ($1.6 million).
Improved health and safety:
- Support swim education in neighborhoods without access to public pools by funding 70 full and part-time aquatic specialists, five recreation supervisors, 30 lifeguards, equipment, pool rentals, and DOE pool access ($5.3 million).
- Continue investment in the Mental Health Continuum as part of the Adams Administration's Mental Health Agenda ($5 million).
- Invest in trauma recovery centers to support the recovery of neglected crime victims and stop cycles of violence ($2.4 million). | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-leaders-shake-hands-on-107b-budget-deal-includes-child-care-for-documented-children/4465597/ | 2023-06-29T22:54:05 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-leaders-shake-hands-on-107b-budget-deal-includes-child-care-for-documented-children/4465597/ |
Franciscan Health Michigan City emergency department staff members and first responders received training recently on how to help patients with autism.
Franciscan Health Crown Point’s Emergency Management Services Department Lead EMA Instructor Matt Kodiek conducted Ben’s Blue Bags training sessions to teach hospital staff and first responders how to de-escalate situations with patients on the autism spectrum.
Kodicek, also a lieutenant with the Crown Point Fire Rescue Department, founded the Ben’s Blue Bags initiative because of his 9-year-old son Ben, who has autism. The bags have sensory stimulation items like stress balls, fidget spinners and Rubik's cubes for patients with autism spectrum disorder.
“Everyone has a family member or friend or coworker who is on the spectrum and can relate,” Kodicek said. “It helps increase awareness and understanding when you can identify people in your own lives and also recognize it in others during an emergency situation.”
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Ben's Blue Bags supplies building blocks, noise-canceling headphones, dry-erase boards, markers and other items to help calm patients on the spectrum who might have been overstimulated by a car crash, fire or the lights and sirens during an emergency situation.
“They are very helpful with kids regardless of whether they are on the autism spectrum or not,” said Michigan City Fire Capt. Brad Kreighbaum. “When you have an emergency situation and kids are present and they’re worried about mommy and daddy, or even when kids are lost for a short time from their families at the lakefront, this can help take their mind off of it for a bit.”
So far, Kodicek has trained 2,500 firefighters at 250 fire departments across the country. Franciscan Health Michigan City is the second emergency department to get the bags, which are funded by grants and donations.
“There are so many opportunities for these to be used in a variety of departments,” said Sister M. Petra Nielsen, vice president of mission integration for Franciscan Health Michigan City. “We’re so thankful for Matt and for all he does for the community.”
For more information, email BensBlueBags@gmail.com.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Mi Tierra closing after 22 years; La Carreta, Flako's Tacos, Wendy's, Bulldog Ale House, WhoaZone, The Love of Arts and Illinois Dermatology Institute opening
219 News Now 6/23/23
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Maple + Bacon, deli and Divalicious Desserts Bakery & Cafe opening | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/ben-s-blue-bags-training-prepares-franciscan-heath-to-deal-with-autism/article_95add1c0-1633-11ee-920e-9b1b49ecb628.html | 2023-06-29T22:54:17 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/ben-s-blue-bags-training-prepares-franciscan-heath-to-deal-with-autism/article_95add1c0-1633-11ee-920e-9b1b49ecb628.html |
SCHERERVILLE — Police who stopped a Gary man for speeding and ignoring a stop sign found 22 baggies of narcotics in his vehicle.
Patrick Mark, 38, was charged Wednesday with dealing in cocaine, dealing in a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of marijuana.
Police said they noticed the silver Chevy Blazer speeding June 11 along Harrison Street, disregarding a stop sign and improperly stopping past an intersection's white line.
Mark's reactions during the traffic stop were reportedly delayed and clumsy, the poilce report said, and officers immediately witnessed a firearm on Mark's body. A 9 mm Taurus handgun was found in his pocket, with another holstered on his shoulder.
When the officer-requested K-9 unit finished sniffing, the dog alerted to the positive presence of narcotics. Five grams of marijuana, 6 grams of cocaine and 11 grams of PCP were found in the Chevy Blazer.
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Mark admitted only to the presence of cocaine before the search, but he later stated that he was the owner of all weapons and drugs, according the probable-cause affidavit. Documents said Mark revealed that he was using the drugs while operating the vehicle.
Officers said in reports that, based on the possession of two handguns and the 22 drug baggies, they believe Mark's intent was to deliver the narcotics and filed charges accordingly.
Mark remains at large, so his first court appearance has not been scheduled.
What you missed this week in notable Northwest Indiana crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from The Times.
Marcus Ross, 29, was originally charged with murder and criminal recklessness, according to court records. A jury found Ross guilty of a lower charge — voluntary manslaughter — on May 11.
Brandon Pintler, 35, was charged on Tuesday with three counts of operating while intoxicated. The first count was charged as a felony and the other two counts were charged as misdemeanors.
Davion Dean, 27, was charged on Thursday with two counts of murder, and three counts of attempted robbery, court records stated.
The Indiana Court of Appeals has determined that an Ogden Dunes couple is allowed to challenge the building of a home that would block their view of Lake Michigan.
At least 23 people were shot, one fatally, early Sunday during a gathering in a parking lot that drew hundreds of people in suburban Chicago, authorities said.
A jury found Kevin Varner, 51 guilty of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and firearm enhancement.
Roger Mashburn, 29, was charged in August 2020 with rape and battery, according to court records. Jurors deliberated for about two hours before returning with the not guilty verdict.
Tyler McHenry, 26, was charged with stalking, criminal confinement and invasion of privacy, which are Level 6 felonies; and a misdemeanor count of invasion of privacy.
Joseph R. Eyer, 52, was charged in 2020 with three counts of child molestation, a single count of sexual misconduct and a single count of sexual battery, according to court records. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/drugs-narcotics-garycrime-lakecountycourts-weapons/article_73eb8638-16ae-11ee-9023-cbc29e6d46c4.html | 2023-06-29T22:54:19 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/drugs-narcotics-garycrime-lakecountycourts-weapons/article_73eb8638-16ae-11ee-9023-cbc29e6d46c4.html |
The fiery rivalry between West Flagstaff Little League and Continental Little League continued Wednesday night in the District 1 Majors Tournament in Flagstaff.
Dawson Field was at max capacity as WFLL came out victorious, 8-2, thanks to a strong pitching performance from Brisson Burcar and heads-up plays on the base paths.
The game began with excitement as both teams were able to score early. WFLL got the jump immediately as Adrian Crockett led off the game with a stinging double into right-center field. He was followed by Burcar, who hit a double of his own in the same spot to give his team a 1-0 lead before CLL pitcher Austin Clouse could settle in on the mound.
In the bottom half of the first inning, Clouse put CLL on the board. He found himself in a friendly 2-0 count and got a pitch to drive, sending the ball over the right-field fence for a loud home run to tie the game at 1-1.
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Offense was the key early on, but defense is what decided the game. Errors played a major role as CLL committed three errors that all resulted in runs for WFLL, which didn't commit any.
WFLL manager Shane Burcar was especially proud of the way his team showed up defensively, considering the short amount of time that the group has had together.
“I thought everybody played good, our defense was solid, just an all-around great game. We’ve had 12 practices for this game and I thought it all came through tonight,” he said.
The score began to open up in the second inning. Clouse retired the first two batters -- the second out coming via an impressive snag at first base from Steele Robinson. Though, after the highlight play, Clouse ran into trouble.
Two consecutive errors and a walk loaded the bases for the bottom of the WFLL lineup. A passed ball allowed one run to score and a double from Jeremy Kekk pushed two more runs in to give WFLL a 5-1 lead. Kekk was 1 for 2 in the game with a run scored and three RBIs.
Clouse rebounded in the third inning, though by the fourth he had reached his pitch limit and came off the mound. Through 3 1/3 innings, he surrendered seven hits, one earned run and two walks and struck out four batters.
On the other side, Brisson Burcar settled in after an early caravan of base runners. Though the beginning of his second inning had the potential to turn sour.
The first two batters reached base via a base hit and a walk, respectively. It was then Robinson who showed what he was capable of at the plate and drove a ball to the second baseman that was too hot to handle. The ball skittered into shallow right field, allowing Levi Brooks to score from second and make the score 5-2.
The next batter, Diego Hutchins, was hit by a pitch and that prompted a mound visit from Shane Burcar. Brisson fell behind the next batter following the mound visit, going down three balls and no strikes, but he battled back to capture a strikeout for the first out of the inning. Burcar struck out the next batter and forced a groundout after that to leave the bases loaded and hold the lead at 5-2.
After the second inning CLL did not record another hit until after Brisson exited the mound. Outside of the second inning, Brisson appeared untouchable. Every out he recorded in the third and fourth innings was a strikeout, and in the fourth he sat down the side in order. In the end he made it through five innings while only giving up three hits, two earned runs and three walks.
Even though he struggled early, Brisson Burcar stayed confident knowing that his team was there to pick him up.
“My teammates were in it the whole game, I just trusted my teammates to make plays and throw strikes,” he said.
The top of the fourth inning is when WFLL began to expand on its lead. A base hit from Carson Abbey led off the festivities and also prompted a “this is our town” chant from the WFLL dugout that continued throughout the inning. Cayleigh Begay followed Abbey with a walk and Michael Rodriguez reached base on a hit to load the bases.
Once again, CLL fielding errors led to runs. Deegan Custer hit a grounder to third base, but an errant throw to home allowed the runner from third to score. The next run came in strange fashion. Brady Conden worked the count full, but struck out looking. However, the runner at first, Custer, thought the pitch was ball four and began walking towards second. CLL attempted to pick him off, allowing the runner at third to score and all runners ended up advancing.
By the end of the inning WFLL had not recorded another hit, but the score had extended to 8-2.
CLL may not have played as clean as it had hoped, but manager Josh Clouse is confident in his team's approach as they continue playing in the double-elimination bracket.
“Same approach. We’re playing baseball, so we have to smile. We come back tomorrow, work on the things we have to work on, win a game and keep battling through the tournament,” he said.
At the plate WFLL showed patience. The team was not often behind in the count and forced the CLL pitching staff to make quality pitches to get out of jams.
“One through 13 everyone contributed to our success. We did a good job hitting, taking pitches, and we chewed up that pitch count,” Shane Burcar said.
No player on WFLL recorded more than one hit, but Brisson Burcar, Custer and Brock Casper all tallied an RBI. As a team they also swiped four bags thanks to Custer, Casper, Rodriguez and Begay.
Now that the local teams have faced each other, they will be tasked with opponents that they are less familiar with in the coming days. Though that does not appear to be an issue for either manager.
“We’re going to play baseball on our terms. Our focus is going to be getting strike one and getting good at-bats and go from there,” Shane Burcar said.
With its win, WFLL advances to the next round in the winners bracket and will face Payson for a June 29 game. Continental moves into round one of the losers bracket where it will face Winslow for a June 29 game.
“Baseball is baseball. Whether we’re facing a fast pitcher or a slow pitcher, our approach is the same. We’re gonna keep our hands back, try to drive the ball center-right and be on time,” Clouse said. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/west-flagstaff-little-league-beats-continental-in-district-1-opening-round/article_8299ef42-169c-11ee-bc0c-0b90787e3872.html | 2023-06-29T22:54:33 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/west-flagstaff-little-league-beats-continental-in-district-1-opening-round/article_8299ef42-169c-11ee-bc0c-0b90787e3872.html |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/air-quality-index-in-philly-and-nj-is-still-poor-and-potentially-hazardous/3595467/ | 2023-06-29T22:54:34 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/air-quality-index-in-philly-and-nj-is-still-poor-and-potentially-hazardous/3595467/ |
As "Moms for Liberty" prepares for its four-day summit at the Marriott in Center City Philadelphia, protesters are calling out the group for its ideologies they claim discriminates against certain groups.
From June 29 through July 2, Moms for Liberty will host its annual summit at the Marriott at 12th and Market Street and will have an event at the Museum of the American Revolution on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Police officers have set up metal barriers in expectation of protesters at the museum.
Moms for Liberty is a group that was founded in 2021 in Florida by two mothers, Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich, that aims to “stand up for parental rights at all levels of the government,” according to their website.
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Jazmyn Henderson is with Act Up and is among those pushing back against the Moms for Liberty group's plan.
"They claim they want to protect children. But whose children?” Henderson said.
Others say the group is behind a movement that's responsible for removing books from school libraries that target certain groups.
Moms for Liberty has been deemed an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, who has a page dedicated to highlighting the ways that Moms for Liberty advances an anti-student inclusion agenda.
As of June 6, the nonprofit was added to a list with about a dozen other groups that SLPC has deemed as anti-government extremist groups.
"There's a lot of things on there that we completely reject. Any of the terminology where they say we're extremist for wanting to say mother instead of birthing person, we reject those things," Descovich, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, said."
Descovich said the group's mission is to unify, educate and empower parents. She said the summit will include information about running for school board and that despite hosting presidential candidates they're not planning to endorse in that race.
The summit their holding this weekend will have leading candidates of the Republican presidential nomination speak, such as former president Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron Desantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
Mayor Jim Kenney office released a statement on the group's summit this weekend:
"With the Moms for Liberty summit beginning in Philadelphia this week, I want to be very clear that as a welcoming and inclusive City, we find this group’s beliefs and values problematic. We oppose this group’s policy goals, which include attempts to disregard history, ban books, and silence conversations about race, gender, and sexuality...However, in spite of our disagreement with the views of Moms for Liberty, we also take freedom of speech very seriously. The City’s response to any demonstration or public protest will prioritize the safety of participants and members of the public."
Descovich also said that the group doesn't want children in preschool through third grade being taught that they can be a boy or a girl, neither, or both, and that they can change their gender identity in school. That's something they believe should be taught by parents at home when they think their child is ready.
NBC10 reached out to the Musuem of the American Revolution at the beginning of June and their response was:
"Because fostering understanding within a democratic society is so central to our mission, rejecting visitors on the basis of ideology would be antithetical to our purpose."
We also reached out to the Marriott for comment and they did not respond.
At the beginning of the month Galaei, a queer and trans, Black, indigenous, and people of color (QTBIPOC) radical social justice organization, called for the Marriott to cancel the event and shared a script on its Instagram account with the hashtag “StopHostingHate," for people to send to the Marriott and media outlets:
The script they shared read as follows:
“Hello, my name is [......] I am a [resident/frequent visitor] of Philadelphia and am concerned by Marriott’s support of the hate group Moms for Liberty, which is using the Philadelphia Marriott as a meeting place for their yearly summit from June 29th-July 2nd, 2023. Marriott will no longer have my business if it does not cancel the Moms for Liberty summit reservations and do its part to keep our schoolchildren safe.”
Protests against Moms for Liberty began in Philly on Friday, June 9. Protesters from Defense of Democracy, a national nonprofit organization advocating for the American public school system, gathered outside of the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/city-plans-for-protesters-as-moms-for-libertys-4-day-summit-begins-in-center-city-philly/3595357/ | 2023-06-29T22:54:40 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/city-plans-for-protesters-as-moms-for-libertys-4-day-summit-begins-in-center-city-philly/3595357/ |
Fran Malecha has been named president and CEO of Amalgamated Sugar Co. Malecha will take over on July 31.
John McCreedy, the retiring CEO, will serve as an advisor during the transition as he concludes his eight-year tenure.
Malecha's career includes executive positions at Compass Minerals International Inc, a salt and specialty plant nutrition mining and manufacturing company, and at Viterra, a multinational agricultural business.
Malecha holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He further honed his expertise through executive programs at Harvard Business School, including the Agribusiness Program in 2005 and the Global Strategic Management Program in 2011.
Amalgamated Sugar Co. is a grower-owned sugar beet processing business and the second-largest manufacturer of beet sugar in the United States. With over 125 years of history, Amalgamated Sugar produces sugar from sugarbeets grown by more than 700 cooperative members across more than 180,000 acres in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/business/amalgamated-sugar-announces-fran-malecha-as-new-president-and-ceo/article_2c6765bc-16c1-11ee-9e6f-535a64fe2c0c.html | 2023-06-29T22:56:35 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/business/amalgamated-sugar-announces-fran-malecha-as-new-president-and-ceo/article_2c6765bc-16c1-11ee-9e6f-535a64fe2c0c.html |
Since it's apparently National Camera Day, I wanted to share with you some of the equipment I use to document the Magic Valley.
I mostly shoot pictures with two Nikon cameras, a D6 and a D500. I usually keep a 70-200mm lens on one and either a 17-35mm or a 24-70mm on the other. Depending on which lenses are on which camera body I have a focal length range of 17-300mm all at a constant F2.8.
When I cover sports or sometimes breaking news, I often use a Nikon 300mm. If I put it on the D500 it becomes equivalent to a 450mm lens.
I also use a Nikon SB-800 flash, oftentimes with a remote trigger attached. This allows me to use it off-camera and wirelessly.
I threw a 50mm 1.4 into the photo as well. I don't use it much, but it can be nice when I'm trying to be more discreet or for really low-light shots without using a flash.
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Of course, I have all sorts of other doodads and gadgets in my arsenal such as studio lights, modifiers, light panels, tripods, iPhone, batteries, cards, chargers, cables, and cleaners, etc.
A couple of items I would like to point out is that I'm a huge fan of Peak Design straps, tripods and their capture system. For my UV, C-PL and ND filters I like Hoya, but there are some really nice high-end ones out there I've used in other aspects of my photography. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/photo-blog-im-told-its-national-camera-day/article_aab9c90c-16b5-11ee-9d1d-d734ee3c4dd7.html | 2023-06-29T22:56:41 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/photo-blog-im-told-its-national-camera-day/article_aab9c90c-16b5-11ee-9d1d-d734ee3c4dd7.html |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Visitors to downtown Kingsport are likely to spot a colorful herd of goats.
A spokesperson for the city said the Kingsport Goat Herd will be “grazing” on Broad Street in the downtown area until Fun Fest.
The 10 painted, fiberglass goats were unveiled at the inaugural “Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Festival” in April. Each goat was sponsored by an organization, business or individual and was painted by a local artist.
Since their debut in April, the goats have toured Kingsport with stops at the Allandale Mansion, Bays Mountain Park and the Kingsport Aquatic Center.
After the Fun Fest parade, the goats will either be taken by their sponsor or donated to the city for permanent installation. The parade will be held July 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/painted-goats-grazing-in-downtown-kingsport-ahead-of-fun-fest/ | 2023-06-29T23:00:22 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/painted-goats-grazing-in-downtown-kingsport-ahead-of-fun-fest/ |
WASHINGTON (WJHL) — A $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will go toward a planned meat processing plant in Telford.
The USDA announced the grant, along with over a dozen other grants worth $115 million, on Thursday as part of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda.
“Appalachian Producers Cooperative will use a $2.6 million grant to offset costs associated with the constructing and equipping a new 15,000 square foot meat processing facility in Telford, Tennessee, an area with large demand for meat processing,” the USDA said in a release.
The project is expected to cost around $10 million.
The proposed plant will be located along U.S. Highway 11E near the Jonesborough Flea Market and Washington County Industrial Park. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/usda-announces-2-6-million-grant-for-telford-meat-plant/ | 2023-06-29T23:00:28 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/usda-announces-2-6-million-grant-for-telford-meat-plant/ |
Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County could be working on your next home. Do you live in substandard housing? Do you live or work in Otsego County? Are you willing to do sweat equity? And: Do you have an income between $27-$47 thousand dollars? Jerry Blechman is the President of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County.
"We’ll also do a background check, and check out your situation in person and all that kind of stuff, but those 4 get you in the door."
There will be a total of 9 homes on McFarland Road, just off Route 205 in the Town of Oneonta. The organization, which is almost entirely run by volunteers, is in the process of building 2 more of the 9 homes. 4 have already been completed and are currently occupied, and one is in the finishing stages. With a few more volunteers, the structures can be finished in a snap. You don’t have to be a potential Habitat for Humanity homebuyer to volunteer. Anyone 16 years of age or older can volunteer, and there’s plenty of jobs to keep you busy. Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Jayme McCoy continued volunteering even after completing her minimum ‘sweat equity’ requirement.
"It makes you feel proud because you did something for you, plus you did something for somebody else, and other families too."
Betsy Brown is putting in her time volunteering as a soon to be homeowner. The homes are not given away, but rather sold at an affordable price to qualified buyers. Roughly half the price of the home is absorbed through donations.
"Habitat is to help one another, and we come here with an open mind to do that. I know that I do, and I believe that the other families feel the same way."
Here are some ways to contact Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County:
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HabitatForHumanityOtsegoCountyNY/
or call: 607-432-7874 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/habitat-for-humanity-of-otsego-county-is-looking-for-partners/article_75c9c7ac-16c3-11ee-8870-1b90432b6dce.html | 2023-06-29T23:04:19 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/habitat-for-humanity-of-otsego-county-is-looking-for-partners/article_75c9c7ac-16c3-11ee-8870-1b90432b6dce.html |
With nothing but their bare hands, two Texas anglers may have caught one of the largest catfish ever recorded in Texas.
Drew Moore and Justin White were practicing an alternative method of fishing called noodling, which involves pulling a catfish out of the water using only your arms and hands.
The flathead catfish was caught at Lake Tawakoni, located east of Dallas. Fishermen from all over the country are attracted to the Northeast Texas fishery which is 378,879 acres in size in hopes of snaring a trophy catfish.
Moore featured his catch on his Facebook page, saying he and a friend swam into the fish's hole and got beat up a bit trying to bring her in.
"She was not happy that we were there," White wrote. "But we got her controlled and got her back to the boat."
On a certified scale, the fish weighed in at 98.7 pounds. This could be the biggest catfish ever noodled and weighed on a certified scale. White said they're waiting on paperwork confirming their record and that there would be more pictures to come.
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"Never thought we would run into such an animal but [we're] so blessed to have the opportunity to do so," wrote White, adding that the giant fish was "released to fight another day."
"God is good!" said White. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/catfish-noodlers-make-a-potentially-record-breaking-catch-at-lake-tawakoni/3287163/ | 2023-06-29T23:08:48 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/catfish-noodlers-make-a-potentially-record-breaking-catch-at-lake-tawakoni/3287163/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/east-fort-worth-restaurant-looks-to-future-after-fire-setback/3287227/ | 2023-06-29T23:08:48 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/east-fort-worth-restaurant-looks-to-future-after-fire-setback/3287227/ |
The owner of a beloved restaurant in East Fort Worth is looking to the future in the face of devastation.
Nana's Kitchen, located on John T. White Road in East Fort Worth, caught fire Wednesday night.
"I come up and it's a blaze," said owner Toshia Ramsey, who is affectionately known by her customers as Nana.
Although the damage looks bad, Ramsey said she's still grateful.
"No one was injured and the fire department did an outstanding job,” Ramsey said. “They were here and contained it mostly to our storage area. Of course, we have heavy smoke damage throughout the entire kitchen."
She poured her savings into opening the restaurant five years ago.
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"It's an unfortunate thing, but I know all things work for the good of those who love the Lord,” Ramsey said. “I'm a believer and I believe God is going to see us through this. It's just a small hurdle."
Ramsey said cooking has always been a passion. She said food is a universal love language and that's why she loved cooking for her customers and even the less fortunate in her community.
"We take a lot of pride in feeding our customers and anybody else,” Ramsey said. “The homeless population that comes this way. On Sundays, you can catch us in the evenings feeding off Lancaster."
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Most of the damage was to a storage area with smoke damage to the rest of the restaurant.
Ramsey assures her customers she will be able to return because she is insured. So, she gives this advice:
"Don't donate to any cause,” Ramsey said. “There's not going to be any barbeques or fire sales or anything like that. We're good. Don't give to any kind of GoFundMe. We are good."
She said the best way to support her is to come get a plate when Nana's Kitchen is back open for business. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-soul-food-restaurant-suffers-fire-damage-but-owner-vows-to-rebuild/3287151/ | 2023-06-29T23:09:01 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-soul-food-restaurant-suffers-fire-damage-but-owner-vows-to-rebuild/3287151/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/how-north-texas-universities-are-impacted-by-affirmative-action-decision/3287228/ | 2023-06-29T23:09:07 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/how-north-texas-universities-are-impacted-by-affirmative-action-decision/3287228/ |
Evacuations are underway Thursday as crews battle a wildfire that has consumed more than 600 acres and threatened dozens of homes in Palo Pinto County.
The Texas A&M Forest Service said the wildfire, named the Storage Fire, has charred 600 acres near Texas Highway 16 in the Possum Kingdom Lake area and is 30% contained as of Thursday afternoon.
A mandatory evacuation was ordered Thursday afternoon for people in the Gaines Bend neighborhood along Possum Kingdom Lake's eastern shoreline. A voluntary evacuation was underway for the Sportsmans World Recreation Center and Hells Gate area, the Forest Service said.
"The fire began burning quite rapidly, was driven by the wind that was blowing last night and grew to a total of 511 acres," Adam Turner with the Texas A&M Forest Service said Thursday morning. "We have put dozer line all the way around this fire. So, we are calling it 40% contained."
According to officials, crews made progress Wednesday night using dozers to build a containment line on the flanks of the fire. Firefighters also conducted tactical firing operations to remove unburned vegetation between the containment line and active fire, officials said.
"The past two or three weeks of extreme temperatures that we've all been experiencing here in Texas have not done any favors for our grass and our brush," Turner said. "So, all of that nice green vegetation that we were seeing back in the end of May or start of June has dried up at this point. And so it's now available for fire again, like it was, you know, similar to last summer."
However, it is too early for authorities to know if this fire season could be as destructive as last year when crews across Palo Pinto County battled more than 120 wildfires.
"We didn't have a lot of growth in 2022 because of the continued drought," Turner said. "We're not expecting anywhere near what happened in 2020 to this area."
Firefighting aircraft were set to be brought in Thursday to help overcome the challenges posed by steep terrain where the fire is burning, Texas Forest Service spokesman Eric O'Conner said.
"Palo Pinto County is notorious for really rocky soils," Turner said. "That makes it hard for bulldozers to work in and tears up vehicle tires. And it just, it's tricky footing for people walking around. There's another area that's relatively has a pretty significant ravine into it, and it is at this point probably not drivable by an engine."
The Mineral Wells Fire Department is among the agencies called to help in the effort.
"Low humidity, high temps, and rough terrain are all obstacles being faced, as numerous area fire departments attempt to extinguish the fire," Mineral Wells Fire wrote on social media.
TEXAS WILDFIRES
According to officials, there are no reports of injuries and no homes have been lost or damaged as of this writing. As many as 25 homes were threatened Wednesday night, the Forest Service said.
"There's a dozer line and then another 100 feet barrier between what's still burning inside of this fire and the exterior," Turner said. "The thought being is that if you can put a 100-foot space between the fire that's still burning in the outside, it's highly unlikely that it will jump out. If we are successful all the way around the fire, we can potentially see that containment number come up this evening."
It's not yet known what sparked the fire, O'Conner said.
Possum Kingdom Lake is about 100 miles west of Fort Worth.
There are currently eight wildfires burning in Texas that have consumed more than 1,500 acres. All of the fires, except for the Storage Fire and Rolling Pin Fire in Nolan County, are 100% contained.
Palo Pinto County was the site of the unprecedented 2011 Possum Kingdom Complex Fire that burned for more than a month, consuming 126,000 acres and destroying 168 homes. Last year was the busiest fire year since 2011 and there were 123 wildfires in Palo Pinto County, according to the forest service. The largest of the 2022 fires, the Dempsey Fire, burned nearly 12,000 acres and threatened the town of Graford.
TEXAS WILDFIRE INCIDENTS
Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As developments unfold, elements of this story may change. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/dozens-of-homes-threatened-as-wildfire-grows-in-palo-pinto-county/3286505/ | 2023-06-29T23:09:13 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/dozens-of-homes-threatened-as-wildfire-grows-in-palo-pinto-county/3286505/ |
DELAND, Fla. – A man suspected of shooting at a driver has been arrested by the DeLand Police Department on Wednesday.
Oscar Torres, 26, was arrested around 6:30 a.m. after police said they found him leaving the woods near the crime scene and had determined he matched the description of the shooter.
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Officers responded to reports of a crashed vehicle at 1000 Springdale Court around 2 a.m. on Wednesday.
The driver told officers that a man shot at them while they were driving, causing the crash. The victim was able to escape unharmed, according to police reports.
Officers searched Torres’ home Wednesday afternoon, where they said they found cocaine, cannabis, suspected heroin/fentanyl and assorted drug paraphernalia, as well as various types of ammunition.
Torres is being held at the Volusia County Jail where he faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied vehicle, possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon as well as several felony narcotic charges.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/29/deland-man-accused-of-shooting-at-driver-causing-crash/ | 2023-06-29T23:10:24 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/29/deland-man-accused-of-shooting-at-driver-causing-crash/ |
Colin Jost is bringing his award-winning Saturday Night Live humor to Orlando on Aug. 26.
Jost has been the head writer for SNL since 2012 and co-host of “Weekend Update” since 2014.
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In addition to his accomplishments on SNL, Jost is also a New York Times Bestselling author, a five-time Writers Guild Award recipient, a two-time Peabody Award recipient and a 12-time Emmy nominee.
Jost has also been published in The New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine and the Huffington Post as well as written the 2015 film “Staten Island Summer.”
Tickets to Jost perform at the Walt Disney Theater go on sale on Friday and can be found on the Dr. Phillips Center website.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/29/snls-colin-jost-to-perform-at-dr-phillips-center/ | 2023-06-29T23:10:31 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/29/snls-colin-jost-to-perform-at-dr-phillips-center/ |
PALM COAST, Fla. – A premature baby born on Sunday is being coined by first responders as a “miracle baby.”
In Palm Coast, new mother I’sis Davis gave birth on the side US-1 to a healthy baby boy, all thanks to the help of her “doula.”
“You can’t tell God what’s going to happen. He’s going to tell you,” Davis said.
The new mom said she was three weeks away from her scheduled induction, but the contractions started at home. Her first child was on the way.
“I labored for 11 hours, no meds, not thinking that it was actually active labor. I’m thinking it’s Braxton Hicks,” she said.
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She called her doula, Tabatha Seppala, to come over and get her. A doula is a trained professional who provides care for the mother before, during and after birth, but isn’t trained to actually deliver the baby.
The challenge would be making it to the high-risk birthing center in St. Augustine. Davis was at risk of blood clots and hemorrhaging.
“The high-risk OB basically told me I could get pregnant, carry it to term, but she told me I may or may not be here to raise my child,” she said.
The pair started the drive with Davis’ husband, Anthony, following in the car behind.
“I’m like, ‘I got to push,’ and she’s like, ‘Do you really have to?’ and I’m like, ‘Yes!’ So she’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re about to do this.’ So I pushed. Water breaks, all over her car,” Davis said.
The realization then washed over Seppala.
“I was like, ‘OK, if you’re going to stress, you’re going to do it internally and get it done now because you’re probably going to be having a baby before you get to the hospital,” Seppala said.
Davis said they were just ten minutes away from the hospital.
“I was like, ‘We need to pull over now and she’s like, ‘Well, are you pushing?’ and I go, ‘I am pushing right now.’ Two pushes, three contractions, he came out,” she said.
At 5 pounds, 11 ounces, on the side of US-1, a very healthy Akovi was born.
“I caught him between the dashboard and the seat and the first thing I did was put him to her chest,” Seppala said.
Davis’ husband pulled over right behind them.
“I was panicking at first but as soon as he came out and she laid him on her chest, I was just crying,” he said.
The mom is now doing well, too, happily at home with their new addition. The parents nicknamed the little one “the Hitchhiker.”
“The universe needed this to happen and wanted it to happen and it happened the way that it was supposed to,” she said.
A GoFundMe has been started for the family since Akovi does need special care due to being premature and a surgery on a clubbed foot. You can find it here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/29/the-way-that-it-was-supposed-to-happen-baby-born-on-side-of-us-1-in-flagler-county/ | 2023-06-29T23:10:37 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/29/the-way-that-it-was-supposed-to-happen-baby-born-on-side-of-us-1-in-flagler-county/ |
BALTIMORE — A body was recovered from the water in Fells Point, Thursday evening.
Officers responded to the 900 block of Fell Street to investigate a body in the water.
Police say, when they arrived they saw an unidentified deceased female body floating in the water.
The Fire Department responded and recovered the body.
Homicide detectives responded and assumed control over the investigation.
The Medical Examiner's Office has taken custody of the body to attempt to identify the female. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/baltimore-fire-department-recover-body-from-water-in-fells-point | 2023-06-29T23:11:30 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/baltimore-fire-department-recover-body-from-water-in-fells-point |
HARFORD COUNTY, Md. — A camp in Harford County is giving students the opportunity to do things they've been told they can't do. Students from the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland got hands on experience with enhanced technology in 3D printing.
It's the first time an event like this has happened at Harford Community College.
"Challenges that blind students face really come down to accessibility, confidence and exposure. So the mission of this camp that we're having is to provide opportunities for students to get a chance to try different things and understand what engineering is all about,” said Anica Zlotescu, BISM Manager of Training and Accessibility.
Coordinator of Engineering Technology at Harford Community College, David Antol, developed a 3D Printing Academy for students at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Teaching them to create projects of their own while giving some of the college students a chance to learn something new.
"It's a learning experience for everybody because the blind students are learning 3D printing and interfacing with CAD but the college students are learning the importance of being able to verbalize what's happening,” said Antol.
The blind students figure out their own way to navigate the machines.
One student said, "For me, I have for your phone a different application called Voiceover and my voice over speed is like 95.”
And when that doesn't work, the college students step in to help based on what each individual student's needs.
Today's mission was creating a luggage identifier as the students are flying to Houston for a convention this weekend.
"I made a heart and I made a tag with Hello Kitty on it because I love Hello Kitty," said Alanis Martineze, student of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.
The individual design is what will help them find their luggage by using their sense of touch.
Breaking the barriers of limitations that the blind face on a daily basis while showing that anyone can be successful in the field of engineering.
"I’m just like very happy that we got to do what we're doing now and I want to look forward in the future where more students are getting these opportunities not just us in Maryland but nation wide because this is our future as well,” said Oscar Mejia, a student of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/blind-students-in-harford-county-getting-hands-on-experience-with-3d-printers | 2023-06-29T23:11:36 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/blind-students-in-harford-county-getting-hands-on-experience-with-3d-printers |
BALTIMORE — Baltimore Police are on scene for an officer-involved shooting in Southeast Baltimore.
Police activity is heavy in the 100 block of Milton Avenue.
Citizens are advised to avoid the area at this time.
BPD is on scene of a Police-Involved Shooting in the 100 block of Milton Avenue in the Southeast District. More information to follow as it become available. pic.twitter.com/Z1bYErWUer
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) June 29, 2023
Stay with WMAR-2 News as we continue to monitor the situation. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/just-in-officer-involved-shooting-reported-in-southeast-baltimore | 2023-06-29T23:11:42 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/just-in-officer-involved-shooting-reported-in-southeast-baltimore |
The wildfire smoke from Canada created hazy-looking skies all over our region today.
As a result, a code red air quality alert is in place for the Baltimore area.
If you looked outside this morning, you may have seen hazy skies and muggy air.
"I couldn't really smell the smoke, but the haze was over everything, all on the water and in the sky," said John Ryan, a Perry Hall resident.
"It's bad and it's hard to breathe, and it's hot," said Patty Otto, a Towson resident.
For Otto, she decided to spend some time outside at the park, but knew she wasn't going to stay outside long.
"I only came here with my daughter and we were just going to be here a little while, then we were going in. Too hot, too foggy," said Otto.
Because of the poor air quality conditions, health officials are recommending for people to limit their time outside.
Particularly for a red alert day, people should limit any strenuous outdoor activity, particularly if they are more sensitive having heart or lung disease," said Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, Deputy Secretary of Public Health at Maryland Department of Health.
Officials says if you're outside and do not feel well get inside immediately.
Baltimore County is handing out free N-95 Masks. You can stop by any library in the county to pick one up. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/people-in-the-region-braved-being-outside-during-code-red | 2023-06-29T23:11:49 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/people-in-the-region-braved-being-outside-during-code-red |
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — This Fourth of July, whether you're having a few cold ones, a patriotic cocktail, or poolside glass of wine, remember to celebrate responsibly.
The Maryland Department of Transportation and state police are urging police to make a plan, have a designated driver, schedule a ride share, or take public transit.
Police are reminding folks, that doesn't change any driving laws.
"Make no mistake, driving under the influence of cannabis and any other drug remains illegal in Maryland. Hopefully many of you already made the commitment to avoid impaired driving. Please, we can only do so much to combat impaired driving from an enforcement level. It takes a community effort from local enforcement, to bars, to dispensaries or restaurants, to the general communities," said Major Daniel Pickett of the Maryland State Police.
State police will have an increased number of patrols this holiday to keep impaired drivers off the roadway. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/police-urges-people-traveling-for-the-holiday-to-avoid-driving-while-impaired | 2023-06-29T23:11:55 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/police-urges-people-traveling-for-the-holiday-to-avoid-driving-while-impaired |
BALTIMORE — What can one community do with just over $11 million?
The West North Avenue part of Baltimore is excited to find out.
The state announced the funding on Thursday, going to the West North Avenue Development Authority.
They're tasked with breathing news life into the community by upgrading its housing and transportation.
"What this will do, it will help us be able to infuse the gap funding to make sure development happens in communities that have been historically redlined over the years and make sure they still remain affordable for many of the community members that are here," said Senator Antonio Hayes.
West Baltimore has been plagued with housing and transportation issues for decades, most notably the Highway to Nowhere that's lived unfinished since the 70's.
“I believe in West Baltimore and the West North Avenue Development Authority – that’s why I worked with the General Assembly to secure over $11 million in this year’s budget for this important partnership between state government and the community,” said Governor Wes Moore. “It takes real partnership to get something like this done — and I know that this funding is going to help revitalize communities, help renew a sense of possibility in these neighborhoods; and help write a new chapter in the story of our state.” | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/west-north-avenue-development-authority-receives-11-million-in-state-funding | 2023-06-29T23:12:01 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/west-north-avenue-development-authority-receives-11-million-in-state-funding |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Lake Oswego Fire Department recently replaced a fire engine that the city will soon donate to aid Ukraine.
The 1994 engine will be sent abroad in July, where it will serve the Ukrainian Resistance Foundation in its efforts to acquire emergency equipment used by the State Emergency Services of Ukraine.
Much of the country’s medical and fire service equipment has been destroyed, according to the foundation, and the City of Lake Oswego says their donation “will provide lifesaving equipment and supports the Ukrainian community during a time of great need.”
The fire engine that replaced Lake Oswego’s 1994 edition can hold 500 gallons of water and 2,500 feet of hose and it can pump up to 1,500 gallons per minute. The city says the investment is crucial as the area prepares for a season of high wildfire risk.
Before its departure, the City of Lake Oswego says community members “can say a final ‘goodbye’” to the engine at Millennium Plaza Park during the Star-Spangled Parade and Celebration on Tuesday, July 4 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
City officials say community members can write supportive messages on the engine to boost morale for the Ukrainian people. | https://www.koin.com/local/a-time-of-great-need-city-of-lake-oswego-to-donate-retired-fire-engine-to-ukraine/ | 2023-06-29T23:12:10 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/a-time-of-great-need-city-of-lake-oswego-to-donate-retired-fire-engine-to-ukraine/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A grand jury has found two Portland police officers justified in the shooting death of a murder suspect accused of shooting and killing a man in a Southeast Portland shop in April, the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office announced.
The officers, identified as Nick Wombold and Brian Wheeler, along with Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputy David Sloboda, were cleared in the death of Jack Watson.
Watson was a suspect in the April 23 shooting of 29-year-old Zachery Freeman, who had been inside the Fantasyland adult store and smoke shop at the time of his death.
A Fantasyland employee, who asked to remain anonymous for safety, previously told KOIN 6 News that a fight broke out between Freeman and Watson before shots were fired in the back of the store.
The day after the Fantasyland shooting, Portland police said they tried to pull over Watson shortly before 11 p.m. on Southeast 82nd Avenue near the Clackamas Square shopping center.
Police say that after several attempts to stop his car, Watson shot at law enforcement before Portland Police officers and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies returned fire, killing him.
The PPB officers and CCSO deputies involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave, per each agency’s policies. | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/officers-found-justified-in-death-of-fantasyland-shooting-suspect/ | 2023-06-29T23:12:16 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/officers-found-justified-in-death-of-fantasyland-shooting-suspect/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Drivers heading into Portland on US-26 have to choose one of three exits as they approach the end of the Sunset Highway. The left lane goes to Interstate 405 north, the right goes to I-405 south, and the center will deposit them on Market Street in downtown Portland.
The highway passes through the Vista Ridge Tunnel just before the lanes split up, and drivers are supposed to choose their lane before they enter the tunnel. But it's all too common to see cars make last-second lane switches, a dangerous and illegal maneuver and the subject of this week's Driving Me Crazy.
The twin tunnels date back to 1970 and their 11-foot lanes are slightly narrower than standard freeway lanes. They're also extremely busy — the eastbound tunnel carries just over 66,000 vehicles a day.
Those dangerous factors prompted the Oregon Department of Transportation to ban lane changes inside and around the eastbound tunnel about a decade ago, as indicated by the double solid white lines between the lanes and the warning signs on the approach.
"The tunnel is still a dangerous place," said ODOT spokesman Don Hamilton. "Over the last ten years, we’ve had 389 crashes in the Vista Ridge Tunnel."
And those only represent the crashes that ODOT is made aware of. Drivers involved in simple fender-benders often just pull over, quickly exchange information then and get back on their way, as required by Oregon's Move-It Law.
"That’s a lot of crashes, most of these are rear-ender crashes," Hamilton said.
The problem is the majority of those 66,000 daily vehicles tend to line up in the left or right lanes to exit onto I-405. That lineup often starts around the Oregon Zoo exit two miles up the road from the tunnel, even when traffic is relatively smooth.
As a result, the middle lane toward downtown regularly moves much faster, inviting drivers to bypass the backup and then make a last-second change.
"It's aggravating and sometimes dangerous driving through there because there are people that stop, right in the middle of the tunnel, to move into one of the other lanes," said Duane Medley, who drives through the tunnel several times a week.
Even drivers who are doing the right thing wind up getting penalized by the ones who choose to break the law.
"There are times where, hey, if I don’t stop, this guy is gonna cut in front of me — and he does — so I'm already in the lane, if I don't stop, I'm going to have an accident, and I'm going be the one behind so I'll be the one at fault," Medley said.
Drivers can be cited for failure to obey a traffic control device, according to the Portland Police Bureau. It's a Class B violation, carrying a presumptive fine of $265.
However, ODOT said the last time the tunnel area was targeted for enforcement or education was a decade ago, when the double white lines were painted.
I do the Driving Me Crazy feature as a generally — but not always — lighthearted take on things that drive people nuts on area roadways. Most of us can relate, and most of these topics are your ideas. What drives you crazy? Post your videos and pictures on my Facebook page, on Twitter, or if you're just anti-social you can email me cmcginness@kgw.com. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/changing-lanes-inside-vista-ridge-tunnel/283-5697cf6e-da18-4ffe-8d3c-127fbc3639f1 | 2023-06-29T23:16:34 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/changing-lanes-inside-vista-ridge-tunnel/283-5697cf6e-da18-4ffe-8d3c-127fbc3639f1 |
OLD TOWN -- Fireworks. one of the many things that makes the Fourth of July a special holiday; not to mention the food and the fun!
But being responsible when you set off your black cats and bottle rockets will keep your entire group safe.
"Mixing alcohol and fireworks is not a good idea. That is where folks forget the safety pieces and that's where somebody could get hurt," said Richard McCarthy, Maine State Fire Marshal.
Research from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission found a 200% increase in sales of fireworks from 1994 to 2022.
Despite the staggering statistic, Phantom Fireworks in Holden always makes sure its buyers are educated.
"Safety is the number one key. If you don't practice safety and you don't have buckets of water and you don't have safety glasses and gloves, there is a potential something could happen and we never want that," said Greg Spencer, Store Manager of Phantom Fireworks of Holden.
McCarthy says safety should always be practiced, even with the smallest of explosive party favors like sparklers.
"Sparklers are something a lot of people use. Most people don't even realize how hot sparklers get. Make sure there's a bucket, make sure there's somewhere the kids can put these if they're using them," said McCarthy.
Just remember.
"Get out there and enjoy making memories with your family and loved ones, but make sure you're doing it safely, make sure you have the proper safety equipment. Make sure you're enjoying them sober," said Spencer. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/fourth-of-july-fireworks-safety-guide/article_ab6ce11a-16c7-11ee-bdc4-bb50d1d7a78a.html | 2023-06-29T23:21:03 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/fourth-of-july-fireworks-safety-guide/article_ab6ce11a-16c7-11ee-bdc4-bb50d1d7a78a.html |
AUGUSTA -- Governor Janet Mills announced Thursday that she will sign the paid family and medical leave bill that recently passed the legislature.
The bill will allow workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for various family or medical reasons, receiving 90 percent of their regular pay during their time of leave.
Governor Mills says the decision to sign the bill comes as a compromise, and language in the bill will reflect policy changes she requested -- which she says will improve flexibility for both workers and businesses.
"It allows people to take care of loved ones who are ill and not go broke or lose their employment by virtue of that. We have an aging workforce, an aging population -- this will help us accomplish that without people losing their jobs," said Governor Mills.
The updated bill is expected to be considered again by the Maine House and Senate in the coming days before heading to the governor's desk. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/governor-mills-announces-she-will-sign-paid-family-and-medical-leave-bill/article_026fb680-16c9-11ee-b95e-ff4648873204.html | 2023-06-29T23:21:09 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/governor-mills-announces-she-will-sign-paid-family-and-medical-leave-bill/article_026fb680-16c9-11ee-b95e-ff4648873204.html |
DALLAS — Betty Atwood is taking life’s stresses head on.
"It's been a struggle,” Betty said. “I've been making it happen."
Betty’s husband died last year, and she takes care of her daughter who has special needs.
Betty’s other daughter, Jessica, says her mom is the rock of their family. She wanted to surprise her to show how much Betty means to them.
“She’s always been my inspiration to be the best mom you can be,” Jessica said.
Jessica read the surprise to her mom in a letter from Sam Pack Auto Group.
“Well Sam Pack Auto Group is a proud to be part of your North Texas family, and it is our privilege to help our neighbors, when they need it,” the letter read.
“We believe it's important to show support for caregivers, celebrate their sacrifices, and help remind them to take breaks and care for themselves too.”
Betty’s Little Wishes from Sam Pack Auto Group included a $3,000 gift card to NFM for a living room sofa, oversized chair, and a recliner to help Betty create a space to stop, recoup and relax.
“Thank you for being such and unselfish caregiver and loving mother, grandmother, even during tough times. Sincerely, Sam Pack Auto Group and WFAA.” | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/little-wishes/wfaa-little-wishes-north-texas-woman-surprised-by-daughter-for-being-caregiver/287-134b223c-3bff-4519-8ea4-e457e723ef89 | 2023-06-29T23:21:15 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/little-wishes/wfaa-little-wishes-north-texas-woman-surprised-by-daughter-for-being-caregiver/287-134b223c-3bff-4519-8ea4-e457e723ef89 |
AUGUSTA --Maine is being awarded nearly $272 million dollars to expand high-speed internet access in the state.
The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Members of the Maine Connectivity Authority and state officials came together to celebrate the announcement Thursday -- saying the money is the largest grant award the state has ever received to establish broadband internet access.
"It's as fundamental as electricity, heat, and water -- high-speed internet. Maine has to have universal internet access if we're going to stay competitive nationwide and worldwide," said Governor Janet Mills.
The money will come over the next five years from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program -- a part of the Biden-Harris administration's "Internet for All" initiative.
Senator Angus King says the funding is essential for supporting the work from home workforce in the state.
"People can live in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine and work in Seattle, they can live in Augusta, Maine and work in Los Angeles, they can live in Meddybemps and work in Kansas City -- and this is happening. But, the critical element is broadband," said King.
Maine Connectivity Authority representatives say the funding will be used to ensure that broadband internet is both accessible and affordable.
"One of our goals is to not only to meet the digital infrastructure needs of the state, but to ensure that all Mainers have the skills, and the ability, and can afford to access that infrastructure," said Brian Allenby, communications director for the Maine Connectivity Authority.
The announcement follows the $30 million dollar grant awarded to the state earlier this month for the construction of "middle-mile" broadband infrastructure, known as MOOSE Net, to reach underserved locations.
Officials say they plan to reach the estimated 42,000 locations in the state without reliable internet access within the next two years.
"Without saying bold and ambitious things they won't happen. And, the goal of making sure that everyone has a connection as quickly as possible by the end of 2024 is a goal we will make sure we meet," said Andrew Butcher, president of the Maine Connectivity Authority. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-receives-nearly-272-million-in-federal-funding-to-expand-high-speed-internet-access/article_ba2bdec2-16c7-11ee-b869-5be054cb4afe.html | 2023-06-29T23:21:15 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-receives-nearly-272-million-in-federal-funding-to-expand-high-speed-internet-access/article_ba2bdec2-16c7-11ee-b869-5be054cb4afe.html |
SOUTHWEST HARBOR -- A new police officer in Southwest Harbor has sparked concern over his alleged troubling past. The police department posted the announcement of his hiring to Facebook on Wednesday and a petition calling for his removal has already reached over a thousand people.
Following his termination from the Machias police department in 2011, officer Richard Strout faced three separate lawsuits where he was accused of assaulting and inappropriately touching women while placing them under arrest.
According to the Southwest Harbor Police Chief, who hired him, all three cases were dismissed in 2014 but it is unclear if any settlements were reached.
"I was traumatized my entire four years at UMS [University of Maine in Machias] and I saw my friends go through all of this and I was there for some of the accusations so it was terrifying," said Brad Jordan, owner of Maine State Kayak in Southwest Harbor and UMaine Machias alum.
After seeing the announcement of Strout's hire on Facebook, Jordan quickly organized a petition calling for a town response and removal of the officer.
"Termination is definitely something I’m looking for, I’m not comfortable as a business owner or even just living here on my own with this officer," said Jordan.
Other residents who are just learning about the hire say they're concerned.
"I am just kind of angry and horrified and appalled that our police department has chosen to hire someone with such an intimidating and scary and violent history especially against women," said Erin White, Southwest Harbor resident.
Many took to the police department on Thursday to voice their frustrations.
"...Especially with someone who is supposed to protect us I don’t want them to have any history, any questions of violating someone’s privacy or potentially physically assaulting them, if that’s even a question I don’t want them to be who I call if I’m in trouble,” said Rory Bradford, Southwest Harbor resident.
The police department is also facing backlash after they temporarily suspended comments on their Facebook post. This was after receiving hundreds of reactions and comments.
“One of my big concerns is there was no opportunity for public opinion no opportunity for other victims to have a voice before he was hired as a police officer in this town," said Jordan.
According to the Southwest Harbor Police Chief John Hall, they conducted a thorough background check.
“I saw an individual that was very honest and upfront and honest with me at the beginning and he still is, and an individual that wants to come back into the profession who has value even though you have history that may or may not be pleasant," said Hall.
According to Chief Hall, if he believed or found any merit to the accusations he would not have even considered hiring him.
"I’m very glad that the community is stepping forward, I’m very glad they feel that they can step forward and express their concerns and I’m glad we have a forum in place for them to express their concerns," said Hall.
The town plans to have a public meeting on July 11th where people with concerns can voice them. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/southwest-harbor-hires-new-police-officer-with-previous-accusations-of-assaulting-women/article_2d04971e-16c7-11ee-a265-8b7bf0b38a6c.html | 2023-06-29T23:21:21 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/southwest-harbor-hires-new-police-officer-with-previous-accusations-of-assaulting-women/article_2d04971e-16c7-11ee-a265-8b7bf0b38a6c.html |
SURRY -- Lying on Route 172 between Ellsworth and Blue Hill, Surry has become a popular through way for motorists, which has led to high amounts of traffic, and a lot more speeding.
Starting July 1st, Hancock County Sheriff's Office will ramp up patrols in the town, to help keep the Surry community safe.
"That traffic is non stop all day long," said Hancock County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Jacob Day. "A lot of people traveling to Dear Island, Blue Hill, those popular seasonal towns and Surry is right in between Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island, so it's a busy roadway."
The speed limit into Surry drops from 50 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour just before you reach the middle of town. The road has even changed from what was once a passing zone, to now two solid yellow lines.
Although there is more traffic coming through Surry in the Summer, Lieutenant Day says, they'll be enforcing the speed limit year-round.
"As of right now it will be year-round, but we're gonna step up the patrols particularly in the summer," says Lieutenant Day. "It will continue but we're focusing on the summer to prevent further incidents."
This partnership comes at a time when Surry is still dealing with the death of Kathleen Anderson two years ago, after her car was struck by a motorist going over the speed limit just outside the town's Post Office.
According to Lieutenant Day, "This is one of those thing's we're trying to slow it down in that area, so we don't have any future accidents or any fatalities in the future."
This has not been the only incident involving excessive speed. Resident Brandy Spruce, who lives and works on Route 172 in the middle of Surry, says her dog was hit by a car going too fast.
"He had a little injury but he lived and the most disturbing part was that, no one stopped they just sped on by," Spruce said. "I kind of wish people paid attention to the motto on the sign when you first drive into town. It says, 'drive like your kids live here'. We wish people would do that." | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/surry-partners-with-hancock-county-sheriffs-office-to-help-slow-down-speeding-cars/article_87770dfc-16c8-11ee-978a-eb8e79f47189.html | 2023-06-29T23:21:28 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/surry-partners-with-hancock-county-sheriffs-office-to-help-slow-down-speeding-cars/article_87770dfc-16c8-11ee-978a-eb8e79f47189.html |
A Mason City man was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly burglarizing Briarstone Condominiums last December.
According to court records, 42-year-old Christopher Wayne Kackley has been convicted of third-degree burglary, possession of burglar's tools and possession of methamphetamine. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.
The affidavits state that Kackley broke into the building located at 600 Briarstone Drive in Mason City just before 9 a.m. on Dec. 10. He took several items from the storage area of the complex.
Kackley used pry bars to gain access to the unspecified stolen items, and a black bottle containing methamphetamine was found hidden in his right pant leg.
Kackley still faces 20 years in prison on two counts of second-degree burglary for allegedly stealing from Curries on May 31. The affidavit in that case states Kackley gained access to the plant and shipping offices while employees were present at 2:30 a.m. May 29. While inside, he allegedly stole a camera and a safe. He was arrested June 6. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/burglary-curries-mason-city-briarstone-kackley/article_e2009c5a-1693-11ee-8e65-ab2b39e05e88.html | 2023-06-29T23:26:26 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/burglary-curries-mason-city-briarstone-kackley/article_e2009c5a-1693-11ee-8e65-ab2b39e05e88.html |
After more than 20 years of operations on the corner of Ninth and G streets, Lincoln Literacy has moved to a new and bigger location, allowing it to serve more than four times the number of students it had in the past.
The new location, a 10,628 square-foot, two-story building at 1023 Lincoln Mall, will have four classrooms — three more than the previous building — and a 4,000-square-foot space for the nonprofit to accommodate more than 40 students.
Lincoln Literacy bought the building and is leasing the space it's not using to two law firms.
"Our previous space at Ninth and G served us well for decades. But thanks to growing services and opportunities in our community, Lincoln Literacy was bursting at the seams," Lincoln Literacy Executive Director Bryan Seck said in a news release.
During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Lincoln Literacy also unveiled a $1.9 million capital campaign to fund the move, which began earlier this year. So far, the nonprofit has raised $1.5 million, including $700,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act.
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Though at this time, Lincoln Literacy doesn't plan on offering new classes at its new location, Seck said that if the need arises, classes will be added.
"The cool thing about Lincoln Literacy is we can adapt to the changing needs of our clients," Seck told the Journal Star. "If we see a need for teaching people how to use AI, ChatGPT, or something like that, we’ll have a class for that."
With more than 150 tutors, the volunteer-driven organization — along with its many community partners, including schools, churches and more — will continue offering and teaching its wide array of classes such as English, citizenship, driving, computer literacy, workforce development and others.
Last year, the organization served a record-breaking 1,405 students — 1,109 adults and 296 children. This year, it expects to exceed 1,500.
"In order to better meet the needs of Lincoln’s refugees and immigrants while addressing our city’s workforce crisis, the community must come together," said Janet Eskridge, chair of the capital campaign committee.
And at times, some of those very refugees and immigrants, who begin their journeys as students, occasionally advance to become tutors themselves.
"In the last year we’ve received hundreds of Ukrainians and Afghans, and now we have Ukrainian and Afghan staff members who are able to teach classes, communicate with people, get them to where they need to go," Seck said. "Lincoln Literacy does not exist without our volunteer tutors." | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/lincoln-literacy-moves-into-new-expanded-location/article_cd555526-1502-11ee-b5c3-2b892fd9c96c.html | 2023-06-29T23:27:46 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/lincoln-literacy-moves-into-new-expanded-location/article_cd555526-1502-11ee-b5c3-2b892fd9c96c.html |
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a recurring phone call scam that has returned locally.
According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, there have been numerous reports this week of people placing phone calls to residents pretending to be Ada County sheriff deputies. The phone calls feature a 208 area code and the caller uses the name of current employees at the ACSO, according to the release.
The news release states that scammers are asking for money to take care of an “arrest warrant.” Additionally, they are asking for victims to go to a store, get a pre-paid credit or gift card, put money on the card, and then call a phone number with the card information.
From there, the scammers take the money, the news release says.
The sheriff’s office said if a deputy had to issue an arrest warrant or file a civil judgment, they would attempt to find the person and leave cards with call-back numbers on them several times before placing a phone call. That call would also be used in order to set up a meeting, the news release said.
Additionally, deputies would not ask an individual to wire or transfer money electronically.
The sheriff’s office said the calls are placed over the internet, which makes them difficult to trace.
According to the news release, the Better Business Bureau is aware of the scam and advises people to never give out personal information when receiving an unsolicited phone call.
If you have received one of these calls, contact the Ada County Sheriff’s Office at 208-377-6790. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/ada-county-sheriffs-office-be-aware-of-recurring-local-phone-scam/article_ef057e7c-16c3-11ee-b897-2b5679b77578.html | 2023-06-29T23:29:30 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/ada-county-sheriffs-office-be-aware-of-recurring-local-phone-scam/article_ef057e7c-16c3-11ee-b897-2b5679b77578.html |
The Nampa sugarbeet processor Amalgamated Sugar Company announced Thursday that Fran Malecha would take the helm as president and CEO.
Malecha will take the position on July 31; the current CEO John McCreedy is retiring, according to a press release from the company.
McCreedy served as head of the grower-owned company for eight years; he initially joined Amalgamated Sugar in 2004 and served in various roles before he was promoted to president and CEO in 2015, the release said.
Malecha had previously served as president and CEO of Compass Minerals, a salt and plant nutrition mining and manufacturing company. In November 2018, the mining company announced Malecha would step down immediately and that the decision was mutually agreed upon by Malecha and the company’s board of directors, according to a press release from the time.
He also served in leadership roles at Viterra, a multinational agribusiness, including as chief operating officer.
He holds a degree in accounting from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, the release said.
"I am honored to lead this exceptional company,” Malecha said in the release. “With a legacy built on high standards in production agriculture, factory operations, and shareholder value, Amalgamated Sugar has established itself as a trusted leader in the sugarbeet processing industry. I look forward to working closely with the Board and management team to create additional value for our shareholders, partners and customers."
Amalgamated Sugar Company Chairman Mike Garner said of Malecha, “His extensive experience in multiple industries and his proven track record of leadership, performance, growth, and value creation make him the ideal candidate to continue our legacy of excellence. We are immensely grateful for John McCreedy's invaluable contributions to our employees and shareholders, and his leadership will be greatly missed."
Amalgamated Sugar Company is the second-largest manufacturer of beet sugar in the U.S. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/amalgamated-sugar-company-names-new-president-and-ceo/article_c7fa7e5e-16cd-11ee-86ac-27094c354d0b.html | 2023-06-29T23:29:36 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/amalgamated-sugar-company-names-new-president-and-ceo/article_c7fa7e5e-16cd-11ee-86ac-27094c354d0b.html |
Originally published June 28 on KTVB.COM.
Within the next few years, the Idaho Air National Guard at Gowen Field may be flying a different kind of fighter jet.
The 124th Fighter Wing based in Boise is expected to transition to an F-16 Fighting Falcon mission starting in spring 2027, the U.S. Air Force announced this week. The mission is subject to review, including an environmental impact analysis.
Since 1996, the wing has flown the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which is designed to provide close air support. Pilots and crews with the 124th have flown the A-10 in combat missions in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the Air Force plans to retire the A-10 beginning in fall 2026.
F-16s are expected to begin arriving in Boise in spring 2027 after completion of the environmental impact analysis, which is expected to be completed in spring 2025.
"The transition will better align the Department of Air Force to support the National Defense Strategy and will allow the 124th Fighter Wing to leverage better existing fighter aircraft operations and maintenance expertise," according to a news release from Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs.
The Air Force said the decision to host the F-16 mission at Gowen Field came after assessing the area's ability to facilitate the mission and infrastructure capacity, also accounting for community support, environmental factors and cost.
Gowen Field was previously in consideration as an Air National Guard site for the F-35A Lightning II fighter, but in 2020, the Air Force instead selected sites in Madison, Wisconsin, and Montgomery, Alabama. In the years preceding that decision, Boise's then-mayor Dave Bieter and many Idaho state leaders actively campaigned to bring the F-35 to the Gem State. However, some Boise residents living near Gowen Field and the Boise Airport were opposed, saying the noise might force them out of their homes.
It appears that the prospect of hosting F-16s in Boise is already reigniting controversy similar to the discussion about the F-35.
Idaho State Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, represents a legislative district that includes neighborhoods near the airport. He issued a statement Wednesday expressing concerns that "F-16s at the Boise Airport will cost millions of dollars to compensate homeowners whose homes become 'unsuitable for residential use.'"
In his statement, Gannon noted an affordable housing crisis in Boise, and that noise could "very negatively impact housing on St. Andrews, Normandie, South Garden, South Pond and other areas."
Gannon also shared video of homes near the Burlington Airport in Vermont that have been condemned. A final round of buyouts there was completed in 2016, when the Vermont Air National Guard was flying F-16s in the area and was preparing for the arrival of F-35s.
"These are affordable, and yet they have been demolished over the last few years," he said.
Gannon said Mountain Home Air Force Base, about 50 miles southeast of Boise, would make more sense "than spending federal and city money demolishing affordable housing."
The city of Boise hasn't actively campaigned for a new mission at Gowen Field since the Air Force decided against an F-35 mission there. Mayor Lauren McLean has not commented on news about the planned F-16 mission. However, Maria Weeg, the city's director of community engagement, issued the following statement on Wednesday:
"The city wasn't made aware of the potential of the F-16 until we saw it in the news," Weeg said. "We look forward to hearing more from the Air Force on the transition plan, the impact the planes will have on our neighborhoods, and their plans to engage the community."
More from KTVB.COM: | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-based-idaho-air-national-guard-wing-to-transition-to-f-16-mission/article_c82f56f8-16ad-11ee-bedc-a7c577ca90da.html | 2023-06-29T23:29:43 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-based-idaho-air-national-guard-wing-to-transition-to-f-16-mission/article_c82f56f8-16ad-11ee-bedc-a7c577ca90da.html |
Watch 3 endangered sea turtles from Connecticut and New York released at Rehoboth Beach.
As approximately 50 spectators watched their every move, three sea turtles got to be free again on Thursday.
With the help of the MERR Institute, a Lewes-based marine research and rehabilitation institute, two Kemp's ridley sea turtles and one loggerhead sea turtle were released back into the ocean at Rehoboth Beach.
It was a long trip for the turtles, as the MERR Institute drove one of the turtles from the New York Marine Rescue Center and the two others from Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut to be released into warmer water temperatures in Delaware.
Endangered bird nests at Delaware beach:A rare bird has nested at a Delaware park, prompting a portion of beach to close
The turtles, named Coconut, Spunky and Poseidon, are back where they belong. For Suzanne Thurman, the executive director of the MERR Institute, the release was one of the most exciting things the organization has ever done, she said.
"It's very meaningful to us," Thurman told the News Journal. "It's just a thrill to see them. They're so beautiful, and it was wonderful for everybody who was here, whether they were our volunteers, our interns, our staff, our members of the public, they were all equally excited, I think."
Before MERR volunteers placed the turtles in the ocean, they were first transported in a cargo van and carried onto the beach in containers. From there, they were briefly put in a pool to acclimate to the water.
Both the Kemp's ridley and loggerhead sea turtles are endangered, with the Kemp's Ridley being the most endangered type of sea turtle, according to Thurman. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/community-news/2023/06/29/3-sea-turtles-from-new-york-and-connecticut-released-at-rehoboth-beach/70370832007/ | 2023-06-29T23:29:43 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/community-news/2023/06/29/3-sea-turtles-from-new-york-and-connecticut-released-at-rehoboth-beach/70370832007/ |
Dirt bike crash near Camden-Wyoming leaves 23-year-old Dover man dead. What we know
A 23-year-old man from Dover has died one day after crashing his dirt bike near Camden-Wyoming Tuesday evening, according to Delaware State Police.
The man's identity has not yet been released.
State police said the 23-year-old was heading north on a white 2022 Husqvarna FC 250 dirt bike on Honeysuckle Road north of Willow Tree Circle at 5:34 p.m. when he lost control of the bike, veering off the right side of the road and into a ditch.
MORE:New Castle County police officers justified in shooting at home invaders, state DOJ finds
The man was thrown off the bike in the crash, according to police, and was critically injured. He was taken to the hospital and died the following day.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Master Cpl. J. Lane at (302) 698-8457 or call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/delaware-police-dirt-bike-crash-man-killed-camden-wyoming/70371145007/ | 2023-06-29T23:29:46 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/delaware-police-dirt-bike-crash-man-killed-camden-wyoming/70371145007/ |
Nearly 51 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this weekend – setting a new record – as the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day.
AAA, which provided that projection, said domestic travel over the long weekend will increase by 2.1 million people compared to 2022. And this year’s projection surpasses the previous July 4th weekend record set in 2019 of 49 million travelers.
“We’ve never projected travel numbers this high for Independence Day weekend,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel.
AAA expects 43.2 million people will drive to their destinations, up 2.4% from 2022 and 4% higher than 2019.
Lower gas prices might provide some incentive to travel, or at least relief at the pump.
Gas prices are well below what they were one year ago. The national average for a gallon of regular was $4.80 on July 4, 2022. Gas prices have remained steady the past couple of months, with the national average hovering around $3.50 to $3.60 a gallon, thanks to the lower cost of oil.
In the Fort Wayne area, the per gallon price for unleaded was ranging from $3.14 to $3.34, based on the GasBuddy tracking app Thursday afternoon. Most prices were showing in the $3.15 to $3.19 range.
Air travel is also expected to set a new record. AAA projects 4.17 million Americans will fly to their destinations over Independence Day weekend, up 11.2% from 2022 and 6.6% over 2019.
June and July are typically the busiest months of the year for Fort Wayne International Airport, and that pattern is likely to continue with the upcoming holiday.
"With the holiday falling on a Tuesday, many passengers will be taking the opportunity to travel and enjoy a long holiday weekend. Allegiant, our largest leisure carrier, has a full schedule of flights this upcoming Saturday to nearly all of their non-stop destinations out of FWA," said Katie Robinson, marketing specialist for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority.
Air travelers last month at Fort Wayne International beat the activity in May 2019 – the year before the coronavirus pandemic, which was the airport's busiest year to date and capped 10 years of consecutive passenger growth, Robinson said through email.
The Fort Wayne airport saw 34,016 passengers last month compared to 33,319 in May 2019. The airport is currently 6% above 2022 in total passenger traffic through the end of May.
The airport recommends travelers arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure – two hours before if flying Allegiant. With the holiday weekend and the potential for fuller parking lots and longer lines at the TSA checkpoint, passengers should allow extra time to park, check in and get through security, Robinson said.
Other modes of transportation are also on the rise this year. AAA expects 3.36 million people will travel by bus, cruise or train over the long weekend, an increase of 24% over last year. Although more travelers are turning to these modes this year, the number is not expected to surpass 2019’s total of 3.54 million.
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects today to be the busiest day on the roads during the Independence Day holiday weekend, with average travel times up nearly 30% over normal. Major metros including Boston, Seattle and Washington, D.C. are expected to see the worst traffic, AAA said in its news release. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/aaa-projects-new-record-for-july-4th-holiday-period-travel/article_73c365c6-16b4-11ee-95a3-af00774ac0a1.html | 2023-06-29T23:29:48 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/aaa-projects-new-record-for-july-4th-holiday-period-travel/article_73c365c6-16b4-11ee-95a3-af00774ac0a1.html |
Originally published June 28 on IdahoEdNews.org.
PRIEST RIVER — Branden Durst’s superintendent contract was approved on a 3-2 vote Wednesday night, finalizing the controversial hire after a series of divisive West Bonner School District board meetings.
The board also declared a state of emergency on a 3-2 vote — a step needed in order for Durst to seek an emergency provisional certificate from the State Board of Education.
Both measures were approved after pushback (and nay votes) from Trustees Margaret Hall and Carlyn Barton, who also voted against Durst’s hire in early June.
Durst is a former Democratic lawmaker and Republican state superintendent candidate, and is now an analyst for the Idaho Freedom Foundation.
Durst currently does not have all the qualifications required to become a superintendent, including having worked in a school for four years. However, if the State Board approves an emergency certificate, he would be able to serve in the role, but would not be able to conduct evaluations.
Board Chair Keith Rutledge planned to discuss and vote on Durst’s contract in a closed executive session, until Hall pointed out that the board did not have the needed supermajority approval to go into a closed session.
Hall also advocated for Durst’s contract to be made available to the public via display at Wednesday's meeting, since it had not yet been posted online. The contract was projected but was only partially and momentarily within view for online attendees.
Board members received hard copies of the contract and most appeared to be reading through the draft for the first time during the meeting.
Hall and Barton pushed for amendments to the contract — that it not be renewed automatically, and that legal coverage only be provided to Durst’s wife if the district’s insurance would cover the expense.
The amended contract passed on a 3-2 vote, with Hall and Barton opposing it.
The board then voted 3-2, with Hall and Barton opposing, to declare a state of emergency.
Barton also read a statement so her reasons for opposition would be clear. She said there was no need for the district to declare a state of emergency because the district has a few fully qualified staff members who could serve as interim superintendents.
Barton reprimanded the board for its lack of transparency and for dividing the community. She said the board has been “in no way open to uniting the board, employees of this district, or this community.”
“The lack of transparency from the leadership of this board is very concerning,” Barton said through tears. “The direction of our board has turned into a fascist dictatorship with an agenda. … I’m here to continue to fight for our community as a whole for what is good and right against evil and hidden agendas that will further divide our community.”
After the contract meeting, the board started a meeting on its budget and Durst came out from a back room and took Interim Superintendent Susie Luckey’s place at the board table. The board then debated whether they had approved Durst to start July 1 or immediately. The board chair and vice chair argued that a three-day contract had been implied with the two-year contract that was approved. Durst was then allowed to remain at the table.
Prior to the contract meeting, the agenda had changed at least three times. At one point, it included a “self-cure,” a practice used by boards when they break open meeting laws — but the item was later scrubbed.
The meeting video had more than 900 views. It was unclear how many attended the meeting in person, but patrons have routinely complained that the meeting space is too small.
CONTRACT DETAILS
Durst’s contract has not been published online, but was projected at Wednesday’s meeting. Idaho Education News asked the board clerk for a copy of the contract Wednesday night, but had not heard back as of Thursday morning.
A patron who attended the meeting in person posted screenshots of the projected contract on a Facebook page. According to those screenshots, here’s what we know about the agreement.
The most unusual line items in the first draft of Durst’s contract, such as a vehicle, housing allowance, free meals, the ability to work remotely during school breaks, and a limit on the board’s ability to terminate the contract, were absent from the contract approved Wednesday night.
Below are some of the items that did appear on the contract:
— Salary of $110,000
— Two-year contract, but yearly renewal depends on a superintendent evaluation
— The district will provide legal representation for Durst’s wife on the condition that ICRMP, an insurance program for public entities, would cover those potential legal costs
— 12 days leave for illness, injury, or emergency
— At least the same medical, dental, vision, retirement and benefits as the district provides certificated employees
— Paid membership fees for the Idaho Association of School Administrators, the American Association of School Administrators, and other groups
— 20 days of paid vacation
— Reimbursed for mileage
— $2,000 relocation reimbursement
Outside work:
The superintendent, with board approval, “may undertake consultative, speaking engagements, writing, lecturing or other professional duties and obligations that do not conflict with his duties as Superintendent”
Termination:
The language in this section is a bit unclear, but seems to indicate that if Durst fails to obtain an emergency provisional certificate, the board could terminate him.
The board may “immediately terminate the contract” if the superintendent is required to “obtain and maintain an Idaho Superintendent Certification, or a provisional certification”
PATRONS MOVE TO RECALL RUTLEDGE, BROWN
The Bonner County Daily Bee’s Caroline Lobsinger reports that patrons are working to recall Rutledge and Vice Chair Susan Brown.
Draft petitions were submitted to the Bonner County clerk earlier this month, and signed recall petitions were delivered Tuesday, according to Lobsinger. The clerk is now counting and verifying the signatures.
Clerk Michael Rosedale expects to complete the signature count by Friday afternoon.
If enough signatures are verified, the trustees could resign voluntarily, or would face a recall election on Aug. 29. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/dursts-superintendent-contract-approved-after-weeks-of-controversy-patrons-work-to-recall-trustees/article_7156d2d8-1695-11ee-ae4a-ff1060d22325.html | 2023-06-29T23:29:49 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/dursts-superintendent-contract-approved-after-weeks-of-controversy-patrons-work-to-recall-trustees/article_7156d2d8-1695-11ee-ae4a-ff1060d22325.html |
A Fort Wayne man convicted of a 2022 murder and sentenced to a total of 91 years wants a new trial.
Anthony Lopez, 42, said two motions denied by a judge before his trial prevented him from having a fair shot with the jury.
Lopez was convicted in November for the April 2022 murder of 63-year-old William Kintzel, who was found dead in a wooded area near Birchwood and McCormick Streets. The victim had been shot three times.
Police identified Lopez and another man after an officer named them through photos released of the two suspects, according to a probable cause affidavit written by Fort Wayne Detective Jeff Marsee. The other suspect, 42-year-old Michael Barker, is wanted on an active warrant for felony murder and robbery.
Lopez was arrested days after the murder during a traffic stop. At that time, the man who was with Lopez gave consent to have his vehicle searched. The search led police to find a bag with a gun in it, which was determined to not be used in the murders, according to a brief filed Thursday by Mark Thoma, Lopez's appeal attorney.
Police then arrested Lopez on charges of murder, carrying a firearm as a convicted felon and a sentencing enhancement for using a gun in the offenses. Lopez and Thoma have now called into question two separate issues related to the gun.
Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull made two decisions that unfairly impacted Lopez, according to the brief submitted to the appellate court. One denied motion would have allowed Lopez to have the murder and sentencing enhancement charge tried by a separate jury from the gun possession charge. The other would have kept the jury from learning about the gun found with Lopez.
Thoma said the gun was found in an illegal search because the driver of the car gave consent to search the vehicle but did not and could not give officers permission to search Lopez's bag, where the gun was found. The attorney said the search ultimately violated his client's federal protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
The search of the bag was unreasonable and the result should not have been disclosed at trial, Thoma said, because officers did not try to find out who the backpack belonged to before looking through it. He added that statements made to police about the gun should be suppressed "as they were the result of the original, unreasonable search and were the fruit of an illegal search."
Regardless, the gun-related charge should have been separated from the murder because Thoma said it "was simply too unrelated and too remote from the murder charge to be tried at the same time as the murder count." He added it could have had a prejudicial impact with the jury.
Thoma said keeping the charges together was done to make the jury think that if Lopez had a weapon then, he likely had one the day of the murder.
Supervising Deputy Attorney General George Sherman, on behalf of the state, disagreed with Thoma in his brief because he said the jury was given a fair view of the case.
The court acted appropriately in allowing the gun to be admitted as evidence, and the police were reasonable when they assumed the driver gave consent to search everything in the vehicle.
But even if the handgun was suppressed as evidence, Sherman said, it was made clear to the jury that the handgun police found when they arrested Lopez was not the same weapon that killed Kintzel. He added that the murder conviction was supported by substantial independent evidence.
Regarding Lopez's denied motion to separate the cases, Sherman said the evidence was not too complex for jurors to understand and distinguish between the charges. He said Lopez failed to show that the court abused its discretion with the decision to keep the charges together.
Lopez's request has been sent to the state's Court of Appeals. Appeal cases are considered only at judges' discretion. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-convicted-of-2022-murder-wants-new-trial-case-sent-to-court-of-appeals/article_6fee6f42-1694-11ee-a198-7b0b495c8b04.html | 2023-06-29T23:29:54 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-convicted-of-2022-murder-wants-new-trial-case-sent-to-court-of-appeals/article_6fee6f42-1694-11ee-a198-7b0b495c8b04.html |
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, is rolling out new income thresholds starting July 1 to account for cost of living increases.
Under new rules taking effect Saturday, Idaho families can make at least 7% more money per year and still qualify for WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
The program providing free food to low- to moderate-income families is rolling out the new income thresholds starting July 1 to account for cost of living increases.
The change, announced this week by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, means that single-family households can earn more than $1,800 more per year while families of five people could earn over $4,900 more. A pregnant woman counts as two household members for determining eligibility.
For families with more than five people, WIC eligibility can be determined by adding $9,509 for each family member, said Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson Greg Stahl.
People must be pregnant, recently pregnant, breastfeeding or a child under age 5 to qualify for the program. Idaho’s WIC program is only open to Idaho residents who have low to moderate income and “have a need that can be helped by WIC foods,” the release said.
“People are often surprised that they qualify for WIC since the income guidelines are higher than many other assistance programs,” Stahl told the Idaho Capital Sun in an email. “Because of this, WIC currently only serves 41% of eligible individuals, so if someone thinks they may be eligible, they should contact their local WIC clinic to apply.”
The program updates its income thresholds annually. WIC provides free foods, such as fresh fruits, milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, beans and peanut butter, to approved families, in addition to screenings for health, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding information and support, help from registered dietitians and referrals to other services.
The average Idahoan accessing WIC receives about $64 in foods per month, the state health department estimates. WIC is accepted in 200 Idaho grocery stores, Stahl said.
People or families already “in the categories served by WIC” and receiving assistance through Medicaid, or other federal health programs like SNAP, TANF or CHIP, are eligible for WIC.
The new income guidelines are in effect until June 30, 2024.
Interpreters are available at all WIC clinic over the phone or in person, Stahl said. Stahl said 58 locations across the state help WIC recipients, including remote services for people unable to access clinics.
Visit signupwic.com to apply, learn more or find a clinic near you, or call the Idaho CareLine at 211. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-wic-program-raises-income-eligibility-threshold-guidelines-starting-july-1/article_dad57d10-16c5-11ee-a50e-0b2ca05721ac.html | 2023-06-29T23:29:55 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-wic-program-raises-income-eligibility-threshold-guidelines-starting-july-1/article_dad57d10-16c5-11ee-a50e-0b2ca05721ac.html |
Law enforcement agencies across the state will be watching for impaired drivers around the Independence Day holiday.
The agencies will participate in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign to educate motorists about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving, a news release from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute said.
Starting today until July 8, officers will increase patrols with the primary goal of preventing tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday.
The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, the news release said.
"Impaired driving is a serious problem that claims the lives of thousands of people each year in our state and nation. While increased enforcement efforts can help to reduce impaired driving, we cannot simply arrest our way out of this problem,” said Devon McDonald, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
About 37 people die in the U.S. in drunk driving crashes every day. That’s about one person every 39 minutes and more than 13,384 annually, according to the federal government.
Of the 949 traffic fatalities that occurred last year in Indiana, 110, or about 12%, were alcohol related.
In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. In addition, drivers younger than 21 with a blood alcohol content of 0.02 or higher face fines and a license suspension for up to one year.
Impaired driving includes more than just alcohol. Drugs and even some over-the-counter medications also can cause impairment and slow coordination, judgment and reaction times on the road, the news release said.
In the Hoosier State, police are seeing an increasing number of people driving drug-impaired, especially under the influence of marijuana. In the first quarter of 2023, half of the tests given for drug-impaired driving came back positive for one or more substances. More than 60% of those positive tests were poly-drug, or more than one drug detected.
"If you are going to drink or use drugs, make sure you have a plan to get home safely. Call a cab, ride-share service, or a friend or family member to pick you up," said Jim Bryan, traffic safety director for the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. "Don't risk your life and the lives of others by driving impaired." | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-in-indiana-to-crack-down-on-impaired-driving-during-for-holiday-stretch/article_ee76e0a6-16bc-11ee-a405-1bd7739303db.html | 2023-06-29T23:30:00 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-in-indiana-to-crack-down-on-impaired-driving-during-for-holiday-stretch/article_ee76e0a6-16bc-11ee-a405-1bd7739303db.html |
Originally published June 28 on IdahoCapitalSun.com.
A proposed rule that could have made voters who change their political party affiliation wait two years to affiliate with the Republican Party failed during last weekend’s Idaho GOP summer meeting in Challis.
Meanwhile, another rule that takes away the ability for the leaders of the Idaho Young Republicans, Idaho College Republicans and Federation of Republican Women to vote with the Idaho Republican Party’s state executive committee on party matters passed.
Rule 2023-21 would have amended existing Idaho Republican Party rules governing party affiliation and ability to vote in Republican primary elections. Under the proposed rule that failed last weekend, anybody who was affiliated with a different political party than the Idaho Republican Party at any point within the previous 12 months must wait an additional 12 months after Dec. 30 before being able to affiliate with the Idaho Republican Party.
The proposed rule did not pass out of committee, Idaho Republican Party Executive Director Kiira Turnbow said.
Jacob Cluff, the vice chair of the Idaho Young Republicans, opposed the rule. Cluff said it would have made it much harder for party organizers to convert young voters who registered with another political party. Cluff said his own experience in college is an example. Cluff said he initially registered as a Libertarian but realized the Republican Party was more aligned with his beliefs and values.
“It is hard for me to try to go out and recruit the young people in my life or around the state when we’re telling them they can’t participate until that waiting period is over,” Cluff said in a telephone interview.
In the days leading up to the Idaho GOP summer meeting in Challis, a group of five Republican legislators and the Idaho GOP’s first vice chair Daniel Silver also expressed public concern with some of the proposed rules up for consideration at the summer meeting, warning they could fracture the party.
The five Republican legislators were Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, and Reps. Kevin Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs; Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello; Jeff Ehlers, R-Meridian; and James Petzke, R-Meridian.
“By placing a 25-month restriction for Republican affiliation, the current rule will effectively eliminate any success made on campuses, churches and in our communities with students and young families,” they wrote in the letter. “We are essentially telling our young voters they are not able to participate in our primaries for potentially up to four years.”
VOTING POWERS OF SEVERAL GOP GROUP LEADERS REMOVED
The other rule was Rule 2023-7, which removes the Idaho Young Republicans state chair, the president of the Idaho Republican Women’s Federation, the president of the College Young Republicans and the state finance chair as voting members of the state executive committee. It passed on a vote of 137-79, Turnbow said.
Cluff also opposed the rule taking away voting power from his organization and the two other GOP groups. Cluff said the Idaho Young Republicans valued their voting power as a way to have input in the party’s decisions and indicate whether their members are supportive of an activity or rule.
“There are many flavors of Republicans, and I will continue to fight for that,” Cluff said.
In other action from the summer meeting, the Idaho Republican Party also voted to hold a new presidential caucus on the first Saturday in March beginning in 2024 if the Idaho Legislature does not restore the March presidential primary election it eliminated, the Idaho Capital Sun reported Monday. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/proposed-rule-forcing-voters-to-wait-longer-to-switch-affiliation-to-idaho-republican-party-fails/article_93eee196-15f5-11ee-9c76-9bf0a0a44e58.html | 2023-06-29T23:30:01 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/proposed-rule-forcing-voters-to-wait-longer-to-switch-affiliation-to-idaho-republican-party-fails/article_93eee196-15f5-11ee-9c76-9bf0a0a44e58.html |
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — As officials continue the monitor air quality and its risks to young children, some outdoor summer camps plan to continue normal operations.
“If it’s very unsafe or we have very inclement weather, that’s when we will make the call,” said Kelsey Paul, Community Manager for Carlisle Parks and Recreation.
Earlier in June, Carlisle Parks and Rec. closed several outdoor venues due to poor air quality caused by smoke from the Canadian Wildfires. As smoke returns to South Central Pennsylvania, Paul believes young children aren’t in as much danger compared to earlier in the month.
“When the wildfires did first spread down here and the air quality was very poor, we did cancel all outdoor activities,” Paul said.
That is why Carlisle Parks and Rec. felt comfortable continuing its regular outdoor activities for Thursday, June 29 at Letort Park in Carlisle Borough, Cumberland County. Thursday also marked day six of a ten-day summer event hosted by Carlisle Summer Fair.
“With the weather being beautiful, the people who are able to come out comfortably will,” Paul said.
Thursday’s outdoor activity, the Peanut Carnival, welcomed children from ages three and up. With the event taking place over the course of a few hours, Paul says children were not in immediate danger from the poor air quality.
“It is only a two-hour time span so by the time we’re here, it’s not too much time spent outdoors,” Paul said.
Despite the recent air quality concerns, Carlisle Parks and Recreation Department still plans on completing their full ten-day summer event and encourages parents to make the final decision on whether to bring their children.
“People watch the weather often and are aware of everything going on in our climate right now, so they make their own call when coming out to events,” Paul said.
Carlisle Parks and Rec. will continue to monitor the air quality and will notify the community of any event cancelations using its social media platforms. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/airquality-wildfire-community-children-camp-recreation-outdoors/521-fe50ff9f-566e-436b-bccf-a6a955741c76 | 2023-06-29T23:33:16 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/airquality-wildfire-community-children-camp-recreation-outdoors/521-fe50ff9f-566e-436b-bccf-a6a955741c76 |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Emergency crews are responding to a fatal crash in Mount Joy Township.
According to Lancaster County 911 Dispatch, the crash was reported around 6:19 p.m. along Route 743 and Beverly Road.
The Northwest Regional Police Department is responding.
It is unclear at this time if there are any injuries or additional fatalities.
This is a developing story. FOX43 will provide additional details as they are made available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/emergency-crews-respond-fatal-crash-lancaster/521-8a7f3c6f-7004-4eeb-a76b-475d3e073b1f | 2023-06-29T23:33:22 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/emergency-crews-respond-fatal-crash-lancaster/521-8a7f3c6f-7004-4eeb-a76b-475d3e073b1f |
DULUTH — A cruise ship company will end its Great Lakes voyages at the end of the season.
American Queen Voyages will finish the 2023 cruise season on the Great Lakes, then sell its Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager ships as it focuses instead on its other cruises along rivers and in Alaska.
"While our bookings for the Great Lakes cruises have been strong and our itineraries have been well received by our guests, we decided to make this shift to refocus on what our travelers have come to know and love us for, and to continue to improve the customer experience on our river and Alaska itineraries for the 2024 season," the company said in a statement to the News Tribune. "The inability to operate Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager for 12 months of the year has created extended off-season operational costs, which outweigh the benefits to achieve our overall business success."
Both the Navigator and Voyager are 286 feet long and have a capacity of 202 passengers and 84 crew members.
Asked if there were any potential buyers for the vessels, the company said: "It is premature to speculate on potential buyers as the announcement was just made this week to our trusted travel partners."
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The company will run both ships through the final scheduled voyages in October and November.
American Queen Voyages began sailing on the Great Lakes since 2019 and its ships have occasionally stopped in Duluth after the port began seeing cruise ships again in 2022. The Ocean Navigator made a port call in Duluth on June 9 and 23 this year. It will not stop in Duluth again this year, the company said.
Several cruise ship companies now make Duluth a regular stop.
According to Visit Duluth's 2023 cruise schedule, Viking Cruises' Octantis and Polaris ships are expected to make seven combined stops in Duluth this year and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Hanseatic Inspiration will have two stops in Duluth. Pearl Seas Cruises has several stops scheduled for Duluth in 2024 and 2025, according to its website. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/cruise-company-to-leave-great-lakes-sell-ships | 2023-06-29T23:34:15 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/cruise-company-to-leave-great-lakes-sell-ships |
DYER — Jenna Ogrizovich has been selected to to represent Dyer's 3rd Ward.
Ogrizovich was chosen by Lake County Republicans during a Saturday caucus. She will succeed Councilman Patrick McShane, effective July 1.
McShane joined the council last December after being caucused in to replace Alan Brooks, who resigned after moving to Ohio.
"Serving the residents of Dyer as a Town Councilman has been an incredible privilege and honor," McShane wrote in a resignation letter submitted last week. "Over the last six months I have had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated individuals, both on the council and within the town administration. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, contributed to the growth and development of our community, and improved the lives of our fellow citizens and the great state of Indiana. However, after an opportunity at work presented itself, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to move on to new endeavors at the railroad."
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McShane works for the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad.
Ogrizovich has lived in Dyer for five years. She is originally from Orland Park, Illinois. She and her husband moved to Dyer because his grandmother lived here and they wanted to be closer to family. They have three daughters.
"It’s a great place to live and I don’t plan on ever moving from here," Ogrizovich said.
She works as "game show host" for the Wheel of Wisdom, a traveling game show conceived of by her father in 1985. Wheel of Wisdom travels to different schools throughout the Chicagoland area, quizzing students on what they are learning. Ogrizovich also works as a substitute teacher for the Lake Central School Corporation.
While Ogrizovich is new to being an elected official, she said she is "excited to meet more of the residents in Dyer and get to know more about what they are interested in."
She is interested in supporting the Dyer in Bloom organization and in potentially creating a tree inventory for the town. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/dyer/dyer-town-council-caucus-republicans/article_17671b64-13c2-11ee-8132-6fc72d8c1ff9.html | 2023-06-29T23:37:56 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/dyer/dyer-town-council-caucus-republicans/article_17671b64-13c2-11ee-8132-6fc72d8c1ff9.html |
Northwest Health's next HealthyU event will teach people how to care for their hearts.
Cardiologist Jessica Williams and interventional cardiologist Anshuman Das will team up to make a presentation about the importance of taking care of one's heart "today, tomorrow and for decades to come."
"Do Your Part, Care for Your Heart" will take place between 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 26 at the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, 140 E. Shore Parkway in LaPorte.
"During the presentation, Drs. Williams and Das will explain the cardiac risk factors you can control or treat, how to choose a healthcare provider to take care of all of your heart care needs, as well as share information on the leading-edge cardiac procedures and medical technology now available at Northwest Health," Northwest Health said in a news release.
The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged. Healthy snacks will be on hand.
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It's part of a new health education system the healthcare system with hospitals in Valparaiso, LaPorte and Knox is putting on.
"HealthyU is a new wellness series developed by Northwest Health to provide the community with relevant health and wellness topics," Northwest Health said in a press release. "The free monthly seminars are geared to answer you and your families’ questions and provide simple and actionable steps to improve your quality of life and help you stay healthy."
For more information or to register, visit nwhinfo.com/healthy_heart.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Mi Tierra closing after 22 years; La Carreta, Flako's Tacos, Wendy's, Bulldog Ale House, WhoaZone, The Love of Arts and Illinois Dermatology Institute opening
219 News Now 6/23/23
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Maple + Bacon, deli and Divalicious Desserts Bakery & Cafe opening | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/northwest-health-healthyu-event-to-cover-heart-care/article_91cd4a40-1633-11ee-a79c-63d41d88ef98.html | 2023-06-29T23:38:00 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/northwest-health-healthyu-event-to-cover-heart-care/article_91cd4a40-1633-11ee-a79c-63d41d88ef98.html |
UChicago Medicine’s $815 million plan to build a freestanding cancer care and research facility on the South Side has received state approval.
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board gave a green light to the 575,000-square-foot cancer pavilion, which is billed as the first of its kind in Chicago. It is expected to have 5,000 inpatient admissions and 200,000 outpatient visits a year after it opens in 2027.
“This world-class facility reflects our academic medicine mission of serving our community and patients by providing exceptional care driven by cutting-edge research,” said Mark Anderson, executive vice president for medical affairs at the University of Chicago. “This will allow our teams of scientists, physicians and nurses to bring the latest technologies and advancements in cancer prevention, care and therapies to patients, while working in parallel to better understand the disease, improve outcomes and drive for a cure.”
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UChicago Medicine plans to break ground on the new building on East 57th Street between South Maryland and Drexel avenues. It will be the second largest building on UChicago Medicine's Hyde Park campus, reaching seven stories in height and being equivalent in size to 10 football fields.
It will offer inpatient and outpatient services to the public, consolidating services now offered in five buildings on the University of Chicago campus. It will also serve as a research hub meant to "accelerate the pipeline of scientific discoveries and clinical innovation."
“This size and investment speak to an important aspect of this project, which is increasing access to all the various services and programs to meet the growing needs of patients and the community,” said health system President Tom Jackiewicz. “We are also deliberately designing this facility so that we can tackle cancer’s toughest challenges in a caring, compassionate, patient-centered environment — making it a transformative place where patients can access the latest diagnostics, treatments, high-impact clinical trials and wraparound support services under one roof.”
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States and cancer rates are higher in Illinois than the rest of the nation. An estimated 2 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and that number is expected to grow by 50% by 2050, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
“Regrettably, one in two men and one in three women will likely develop cancer in their lifetimes. It shouldn’t have to be that way,” said Kunle Odunsi, director of the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. “By combining an unparalleled patient experience with our longstanding legacy of fueling scientific innovation, our ultimate goal is to reduce the nation’s and region’s cancer burden and, we hope, one day eradicate this disease.”
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Mi Tierra closing after 22 years; La Carreta, Flako's Tacos, Wendy's, Bulldog Ale House, WhoaZone, The Love of Arts and Illinois Dermatology Institute opening
219 News Now 6/23/23
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Maple + Bacon, deli and Divalicious Desserts Bakery & Cafe opening | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/state-approves-uchicago-medicines-815-million-cancer-center/article_9793fc9e-1633-11ee-98a6-7b67bbe78a1c.html | 2023-06-29T23:38:06 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/state-approves-uchicago-medicines-815-million-cancer-center/article_9793fc9e-1633-11ee-98a6-7b67bbe78a1c.html |
MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) - Construction is scheduled to begin July 5 along a 10.5-mile stretch on M-25 through Huron and Tuscola Counties.
The Michigan Department of Transportation announced that they will invest $3.3 million to resurface the section of the road.
According to MDOT, road work is expected to start on M-25 near Sebewaing and Harbor Beach on Wed., July 5. Crews will work on joint repairs before resurfacing the road.
The work is weather dependent and will be maintained with traffic regulators.
M-25 resurfacing near Caseville is expected to begin on Sept. 5.
Drivers are asked to use caution when approaching and driving through the construction zone.
According to MDOT, the project is scheduled to wrap up in October. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/construction-is-scheduled-to-start-july-5-to-resurface-a-section-of-m-25/article_6812f754-16c9-11ee-9207-679ce7c58412.html | 2023-06-29T23:38:39 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/construction-is-scheduled-to-start-july-5-to-resurface-a-section-of-m-25/article_6812f754-16c9-11ee-9207-679ce7c58412.html |
GENESEE COUNTY, Mich (WJRT) - A dedication ceremony was held at Beecher's new community center on Thursday.
The Beecher Community Center on West Coldwater Road will house several offices such as the Beecher Community Development Council, the Greater Beecher Business District Association and the Claressa Shield Community Outreach Corporation.
The center is dedicated to the late Mount Morris Township Supervisor, Larry Foster.
Foster was the first black township supervisor in 1992.
"What he was teaching me was discipline," says Beecher Varsity Basketball Coach Marquise Gray. "You can have everything. You can have all the things in the world. You can have all the physical attributes. You can have all the mental attributes, but if you don't have discipline, you won't have a form of success. Because he taught me that simple thing, I try to carry that throughout my life."
The Beecher Community Center is open Monday from 8 - 11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 1 - 3 p.m. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/dedication-ceremony-marks-opening-of-beecher-community-center/article_5ac2f2f6-16c5-11ee-84fe-c723c7f94d36.html | 2023-06-29T23:38:45 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/dedication-ceremony-marks-opening-of-beecher-community-center/article_5ac2f2f6-16c5-11ee-84fe-c723c7f94d36.html |
NEW LOTHROP, Mich. (WJRT) - A generous donation has allowed the New Lothrop Police Department's K9 named Crusher to get a bullet and stab protective vest.
The vest cost $1,800 and was provided by the non-profit organization "Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The vest is designed with a message honoring those who have served and sacrificed.
The group aims at supporting law enforcement dogs across the U.S.
The program is open to K9s across the country. Since 2009, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has donated nearly $7 million in K9 body armor.
If anyone would like to donate, visit their website at vik9s.org or mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/new-lothrop-police-department-receives-new-body-armor-for-their-k9/article_9afb71e0-16bb-11ee-a7aa-43331e5ef63b.html | 2023-06-29T23:38:51 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/new-lothrop-police-department-receives-new-body-armor-for-their-k9/article_9afb71e0-16bb-11ee-a7aa-43331e5ef63b.html |
SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has granted Saginaw Valley State University $650,000 to enhance mental health services and substance abuse disorder treatments.
Over 30 students pursuing careers as psychiatric nurse practitioners will receive financial assistance, reducing their education costs by nearly 85%.
The grant aims to expand access to mental health services in Mid-Michigan. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/svsu-receiving-650k-in-grant-money-from-the-department-of-health-and-human-services/article_39d21532-16bf-11ee-a224-d72cf2761aba.html | 2023-06-29T23:38:57 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/svsu-receiving-650k-in-grant-money-from-the-department-of-health-and-human-services/article_39d21532-16bf-11ee-a224-d72cf2761aba.html |
State officials investigate deadly Lubbock County home fire
State fire officials are investigating a mobile home fire that left one person dead late Wednesday in Lubbock County.
Lubbock County Sheriff’s Deputies responded about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday to a structure in the 4600 block of County Road 1200 for a reported structure fire.
When deputies arrived, they located a single-wide mobile home fully engulfed.
The Wolfforth Fire Department, Carlisle Fire Department, and Shallowater Fire responded to extinguish the fire.
After the fire was extinguished, the West Carlisle Fire Chief advised a person was found dead inside the home. Other details, including information about the victim and circumstances around the fire, were not immediately available.
The investigation has been turned over to the State Fire Marshal’s office. | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/lso-fire-fighters-responded-to-a-fatal-structure-fire-wednesday-morning/70370781007/ | 2023-06-29T23:40:42 | 1 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/lso-fire-fighters-responded-to-a-fatal-structure-fire-wednesday-morning/70370781007/ |
LEHI, Ark. — Officials say an Arkansas Highway Police officer was shot at a gas station in Crittenden County on Thursday.
The officer was responding to a call of an attempted robbery at the Valero gas station near Highway 70 and Highway 147.
Lehi is around six miles west of West Memphis.
Once the highway officer arrived he saw the suspect running away.
During the pursuit, the suspect dropped a weapon and when the officer picked up the weapon it "discharged" and he was shot in the foot.
The officer is recovering at a nearby hospital.
The suspect has been arrested.
We will update this article with more information as it becomes available. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/arkansas-highway-officer-shot-in-foot/91-7a155bfa-b330-4ccc-8984-0b650b96595e | 2023-06-29T23:45:51 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/arkansas-highway-officer-shot-in-foot/91-7a155bfa-b330-4ccc-8984-0b650b96595e |
If you ever wanted your very own shipping container, you'll soon get the chance, courtesy of former Gov. Doug Ducey's short-lived effort to build a border wall out of them.
But you won't get your pick of color, you have to arrange to have it shipped, and the seller — the state of Arizona — is warning that they aren't in the greatest shape.
You'll also have to wait your turn until after government agencies and nonprofit organizations get first crack at them, expected to occur by Oct. 1.
Still, there should be plenty left of the approximately 2,200 shipping containers that Ducey had the state purchase so he could erect miles of containers to fill gaps left in the border wall started by former President Donald Trump.
And the asking price is far less than the state paid to buy them last year, even without considering the $100 million in taxpayer funds spent to erect them.
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Ducey was forced to agree to remove the containers — at the cost of another $76 million of taxpayer funds — after the U.S. government sued the state for trespassing on federal property.
So now the state is stuck with all of these containers it bought solely for the project, which now are simply gathering dust on the grounds of the state prison in Tucson.
It's trying to get rid of them — suggesting they can be "repurposed'' for housing, offices or classrooms — to recoup some of those expenses.
Gaps led to no-bid contract
Trump promised to build a "big, beautiful wall'' between the United States and Mexico but there were still gaps when he left office at the end of 2020. On his first day in office, President Joe Biden called an immediate halt to further construction.
Last July the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it had authorized Customs and Border Protection to seal some of the openings, including a 3,820-foot gap near Yuma.
That didn't stop Ducey, Trump's fellow Republican, from issuing an executive order just weeks later, directing those gaps be filled with a line of 130 shipping containers, stacked two high, at state expense.
Ducey later announced a separate and more extensive contract to fill a 10-mile gap along the border south of Sierra Vista in Coronado National Forest. His administration also gave a no-bid contract to AshBritt Management & Logistics.
All that came to a halt when Ducey, after being sued, agreed just days before he left office in December to remove the containers. The state agreed to pay AshBritt even more money to undo what it had just put up.
Corrosion and other damage
The containers range in age from 10 to 20 years.
The most expensive one the state is offering is 40 feet long, eight feet wide and eight-feet-six-inches tall. It's listed as Grade C, which means the exterior will have "extensive corrosion with a multitude of dents'' and may have prior repairs or patches, and the interior has markings, scratches and corrosion.
That will set you back $2,000.
If one with extensive corrosion or holes, as well as major damage, is OK, there are some Grade D 40-foot containers for $1,500.
Need something smaller? A Grade C 20-foot container will set you back $1,000 while $500 will buy a Grade D in the same size.
But there are only about 100 of these smaller sizes available.
Mostly bought for storage, so far
The state Department of Administration, which is marketing the items, says they can be used for housing, offices, classrooms or other occupancy.
But, depending on where they are put and how they are used, there are a host of other hurdles, such as oversight from local officials and zoning. Any plans to take the containers to a facility to be converted to housing for placement offsite requires that the facility to be licensed and certified by the Arizona Department of Housing.
So far, though, that hasn't been the interest of takers.
Virtually all of the approximately 100 containers already snatched up have been bought by other state agencies that want them for storage, said Megan Rose, spokeswoman for the Department of Administration.
But the Herald/Review reports that Bisbee Public Works Director Matt Guerney has ordered 13 Grade C containers in different sizes.
He said they are needed for storage space for equipment and supplies for parks, streets, sewage, sanitation and the fire department.
The price tag for Bisbee's order is $27,820.
State to take a big loss
If the state gets rid of all the containers, it will be at a loss — even discounting the construction costs.
The Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, which made the purchase, doesn't have a breakdown of what each container cost. But the total price tag was more than $13.8 million.
Even assuming all the containers being offered for sale are 40-foot Grade C, that would put the maximum recouped at just $4.2 million. The final figure is likely to be less, given there are less expensive Grade D containers and smaller ones.
Daniel Scarpinato, who was Ducey's chief of staff, told Capitol Media Services his former boss "stands by the project.''
He said it served its purpose, resulting in a commitment by federal officials to start closing gaps.
"This effort was never meant to be a permanent solution,'' Scarpinato said. "But it did result in getting the (Biden) administration's attention when almost nothing else would."
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs' press aide, Christian Slater, has a different take.
"It was a publicity stunt and it wasted taxpayer dollars," he said. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/arizona-selling-shipping-containers-from-short-lived-border-wall-at-big-loss/article_fa56cadc-16b0-11ee-94b0-17dd491517dc.html | 2023-06-29T23:51:46 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/arizona-selling-shipping-containers-from-short-lived-border-wall-at-big-loss/article_fa56cadc-16b0-11ee-94b0-17dd491517dc.html |
The National Weather Service says the Tucson metro area faces excessive heat over the long July 4th holiday weekend, from Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4.
And monsoon rain is likely still a few weeks away, University of Arizona climate scientist Michael Crimmins said in a UA news release Thursday, though he added that the heat does help spur its arrival.
The weather service predicts "dangerously hot conditions" and record to near-record temperatures, with afternoon highs 8 to 12 degrees above average in the metro area, including Tucson, Green Valley, Marana and Vail.
High temperatures between 107 and 112 under clear skies are predicted at Tucson International Airport, where the city's official weather readings are recorded.
The weather service issued an excessive heat warning for Sunday and Monday and a slightly less urgent excessive heat watch for Saturday and Tuesday.
"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," it says.
"If doing any outdoor activities this weekend drink plenty of water and take breaks. Remember, heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in Arizona."
The weather service also reminds people to "look before you lock" car doors, to make sure no children or pets are accidentally left in hot cars.
The excessive heat warning extends to a huge swath of Southern Arizona, west from Tucson to the California state line.
The monsoon season officially started on June 15 but the rain has yet to fall in the Tucson area, though there were scattered showers and thunderstorms in Cochise County Wednesday.
Climate models have predicted a late start to the rain and potentially a season that with slightly less than the 5.5-inch average rainfall for Tucson, the UA's news release noted.
The heat is a good sign, though, for those hoping the summer storms start soon, Crimmins said.
"Moisture that fuels monsoon rain usually hitches a ride up from the south — including the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico," the UA release said. "Soaring temperatures are usually a signal that moisture can start making its way northward."
"Until rain arrives, wildfire risk continues to climb," the release noted, quoting Molly Hunter, a UA fire ecologist, pointing out that the greenery that flourished after winter rain and snow in Arizona continues to dry out.
Six fires are burning about 17,000 acres in Arizona, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, UA said.
"There are a lot of ignitions right now, but not a lot of acreage burning, yet," Hunter said. "We're entering a critical period and can expect a lot of activity before the rain hits. Before the monsoon, we typically get a lot of lightning. It's dry, hot and very windy. That sets up critical fire conditions."
Photos: Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Tucson's 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Fireworks and Fourth of July celebrations
Tucson
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: Fireworks will be launched from "A" Mountain. Food trucks open at 7 p.m. at the Tucson Convention Center parking lot, 260 S. Church Ave.
Marana
When: 5-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road
Oro Valley
When: 5-9:20 p.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Sahuarita
When: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: Sahuarita Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Way, Sahuarita | https://tucson.com/news/local/weather/excessive-heat-for-tucson-over-july-4th-weekend-rain-likely-a-few-weeks-away/article_2a43d67c-161b-11ee-bcf3-8f6f58c5c1db.html | 2023-06-29T23:51:53 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/weather/excessive-heat-for-tucson-over-july-4th-weekend-rain-likely-a-few-weeks-away/article_2a43d67c-161b-11ee-bcf3-8f6f58c5c1db.html |
ROANOKE, Va. – The wildfire haze continues and it’s making Thursday’s air quality “unhealthy” in parts of the region and the Commonwealth.
That’s why doctors recommend parents limit the time kids spend outside, especially if they have lung conditions like asthma.
Even though the haze may clear up, the harmful particles in the air can stick around.
“The effects of what we’re seeing today can actually linger to some extent. Even though the air quality measures may improve, it can really take a few weeks for it to really clear out,” Dr. Christopher Pierce, Chair of Pediatrics at Carilion Children’s said.
He says that for children who take medication to control symptoms of lung conditions, parents should make sure they take their medication regularly. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/29/carilion-pediatrician-warns-of-poor-air-quality-says-negative-health-effects-can-linger/ | 2023-06-29T23:56:02 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/29/carilion-pediatrician-warns-of-poor-air-quality-says-negative-health-effects-can-linger/ |
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. – Construction on the Mountain Valley Pipeline is back on track.
Wednesday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted final approval for work to resume on the 303-mile natural gas pipeline that will run from West Virginia to Pittsylvania County.
This comes after Congress pushed the project through as part of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which President Joe Biden signed into law earlier this month.
Construction first began in 2018 and has been met with many protests, delays, and legal battles over environmental impacts.
Denali Nalamalapu, the Communications Director for the Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights (POWHR) Coalition, says they’ll continue to fight.
“We are currently choking on wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires caused by climate change,” Nalamalapu said. “We’re seeing friends and relatives dying in Texas from the heatwaves. It’s a real slap in the face to see our ‘Climate President’ sacrifice Appalachians for his political gain.”
Environmental groups have already filed appeals, calling the move unconstitutional.
Natalie Cox, a Mountain Valley Pipeline spokesperson, released the following statement to 10 News.
“On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, the FERC issued an order which authorizes all remaining construction activities for the Mountain Valley Pipeline project to proceed. Accordingly, we expect the first of several forward-construction crews to begin work on the right-of-way shortly, and Mountain Valley continues to target project completion by year-end 2023. Mountain Valley looks forward to flowing domestic natural gas this winter for the benefits of reliability and affordability in the form of lower natural gas prices for consumers, while also benefiting national energy security and helping to achieve state and national goals for lowering carbon emissions.”
Natalie Cox, Mountain Valley Pipeline
The company says the project is nearly 94 percent complete and should be finished by the end of 2023. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/29/environmental-groups-react-to-federal-move-to-greenlight-mountain-valley-pipeline/ | 2023-06-29T23:56:08 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/29/environmental-groups-react-to-federal-move-to-greenlight-mountain-valley-pipeline/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Until Monday, only two politicians had lasted at least seven years as speaker of the California Assembly: A U.S. Navy veteran who was so powerful that people called him “Big daddy;” and a lawyer who was so confident he nicknamed himself the “Ayatollah.”
Now, joining Jesse Unruh and Willie Brown is Anthony Rendon, a man with no nickname who online search engines often confuse with the third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels. This week, Rendon quietly surpassed Unruh's record and became the second-longest serving speaker in state history — just in time for him to step down on Friday.
He's not happy about how it happened.
For much of last year, with Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom coasting to re-election, Rendon's status was the source of much of the political drama in California. Over the summer, Robert Rivas — at the time a mostly unknown chair of the Assembly's agriculture committee — told Rendon he had enough votes to replace him as speaker.
What followed were months of a layered power struggle that played out across elections in 80 Assembly districts. When all the new members were seated, Rivas still had the votes, and Rendon agreed to give up the speaker's gavel at the end of June.
Rendon said he was “very, very angry about it" — emotions he would process by running every day. He said Rivas hasn't asked him for help, and he hasn't thought about offering it.
“I have hurt feelings with the way things were carried out, for sure,” Rendon said in an interview earlier this month. “I think it was really embarrassing for the institution, the way they acted.”
Democrats control 62 of the Assembly's 80 seats, leaving Republicans with no say in leadership decisions. Rivas' transition has been smooth so far as he has hired staff to fill out his office. Asked to respond to Rendon's comments, Nick Miller, Rivas' communications director, simply noted Rivas twice convinced the Democratic caucus to unanimously choose him to be the next speaker.
“We thank Anthony Rendon for his leadership,” Miller said.
Rendon lives in Los Angeles with his daughter and wife, who owns a consulting firm that has received money from lobbyist groups. Rendon wasn't supposed to be in office this long. When he first ran for the state Assembly, term limits only allowed politicians to stay in the Assembly a maximum of six years. On the night that Rendon won his primary, voters agreed to double that limit to 12 years.
Even before term limits, people usually didn't survive as speaker for more than a few years. The job relies on the changing whims of politicians who are constantly searching for ways to increase their own power and influence.
“They’re all unusual human beings,” said former California Gov. Jerry Brown, who worked with Unruh, Brown and Rendon over his five-decade career in California politics. “These were not ordinary people.”
Unruh and Brown lasted as long as they did by holding their power in a tight grip. Rendon's power came from a lighter touch. He empowered committee chairs to make their own decisions on bills — a tactic that more than once derailed some priority legislation for Democrats.
But Rendon occasionally flexed his political muscles publicly, as in 2018 when he famously blocked a bill that would have created a single-payer health care system in California. Supporters of the bill were furious, circulating an image on social media depicting a bear with a knife in its back with “Rendon” written on the blade. But Rendon said the bill was largely symbolic because there was no money to pay for it.
“I hope that set the tone,” Rendon said. “Symbolic stuff is cool. That's nice. But it's not what I'm interested in."
It wasn't the only controversy Rendon would oversee. In 2017, the #MeToo movement swept through the Capitol, resulting in the resignation of two assemblymen and claims of widespread harassment and inappropriate conduct. Rendon and Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins created a new office to investigate workplace misconduct.
Unlike his predecessors, Rendon did not author bills as speaker, making it tricky to get credit for legislative milestones. But he led the chamber through impactful and complex negotiations, including extending the state's cap-and-trade program, paying for all 4-year-olds to go to kindergarten for free, and making all low-income Californians eligible for government-funded health insurance regardless of their immigration status.
Much of that work happened during Donald Trump's presidency, when California political leaders including Rendon cast the state as the chief resister to the Republican's policies.
“We got a lot of big things done," Newsom said of Rendon's time as speaker. “I got to know him well as a human being, as a dad — a new dad — as a husband, as a guy who really gives a damn about people, not just just his district, but the state."
Rendon's leadership style led to some “rough patches” with other Democratic leaders, including Atkins, she said. But in recent years, Atkins said she and Rendon — who are both termed out of the Legislature at the end of next year — found ways “to support our causes and each other.”
“There's always a different rhythm and dynamic in the Assembly. He had the rhythm. He understood it," Atkins said. "His knowledge of how the chamber worked is a “tribute to his style and that it meshed with the members in that House.”
One of those empowered committee chairs was Buffy Wicks, a Democrat from Oakland whom Rendon elevated to lead the influential Assembly Housing Committee. Wicks ran with that power last year, pushing through a bill aimed at opening up much of the state's commercial land for residential development.
But when Rivas challenged Rendon for speaker last year, Wicks sided with Rivas. It wasn't personal, she said. Wicks knew that there would have to be a new speaker in 2024, when Rendon terms out.
“You can either choose to sit on the sidelines and have other people decide who that should be ... or you decide to jump in and pick a candidate,” she said, adding: “For me, it wasn't an indictment on Rendon or his leadership. It was about who’s going to be the next speaker.”
Rendon says he plans to stay in office after he steps down as speaker. He'll author legislation and attend committee hearings, but he won't attend caucus meetings, he said, because he wants to give Rivas space to lead.
“That kind of minimizes and makes it less weird,” he said.
He's eyeing a run for state treasurer in 2026, saying his experience crafting budgets in the state Legislature “would be really helpful there.”
“I've spent a decade figuring out state politics, state government,” he said. “I think I have a bead on it now.” | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-assembly-speaker-anthony-rendon-is-stepping-down/103-52938db0-4073-44d4-a8a6-f5282298ea93 | 2023-06-29T23:58:01 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-assembly-speaker-anthony-rendon-is-stepping-down/103-52938db0-4073-44d4-a8a6-f5282298ea93 |
DIXON, Calif. — Dixon's Silveyville Pumpkin Farm has closed its doors for good... partially. In place of pumpkins, there will now be Christmas trees.
After many years in the community, the pumpkin farm's last season was 2022.
"It’s hard to find the words to express our heartfelt gratitude to our longtime pumpkin farm customers," said the farm's website. "It’s been a very rewarding experience to share a bit of country charm with all of you."
The website says they're introducing a new venue called "The Timbers at Silveyville’s" where it offers packages nine months a year. More information is to be announced soon.
The new venue will replace the old pumpkin patch and expand the 41-year-old Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm for upcoming seasons. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/dixon-pumpkin-farm-closes/103-267802b7-913a-4864-ab91-115ebbbf540b | 2023-06-29T23:58:07 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/dixon-pumpkin-farm-closes/103-267802b7-913a-4864-ab91-115ebbbf540b |
SUISUN CITY, Calif. — Deputies are trying to learn more after uncovering human remains in unincorporated Suisun City.
The remains were reported June 28, when employees with the California Waterfowl Association were doing a vegetation evaluation in the area of Grizzly Island Road and Van Sickle Road.
The Solano County Sheriff's Office said the employees found an exposed bone inside a jacket sleeve under the vegetation and that fully decomposed human remains were just below the surface.
Authorities started an excavation process and have uncovered a partial skeletal upper. The age, race and sex of the person isn't known at this time.
Deputies are calling on people to keep clear of the area as the investigation and excavation continue.
Anyone with information can call the Solano County Sheriff's Office.
WATCH ALSO:
Serial squatters: Couple has lived rent-free for years, despite being evicted from more than 8 homes | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/human-remains-found-unincorporated-suisun-city/103-7234d139-c51b-4b5b-80e1-134a4fa1caba | 2023-06-29T23:58:13 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/human-remains-found-unincorporated-suisun-city/103-7234d139-c51b-4b5b-80e1-134a4fa1caba |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Raceway Park may sell the land it's on and close in the near future, according to the owners of the raceway.
The raceway has been at 5305 Excelsior Road in Sacramento for over 50 years, offering folks a place to explore the limits of their cars, race for fun and gain experience driving different vehicles in a legal, safer space than the road.
Some rumors have surfaced in the community, leading the Sacramento Raceway owners to post on social media about what's happening.
"We understand how frustrating this can be for you all and we will be update you as soon as possible this season," said the Instagram post.
The sale of the raceway's land won't be official until about September — if the sale does go through, the raceway will close for the 2024 season.
If the sale does not go through, the owners promise to "continue operating for as long as possible."
It's a topic and concern ABC10 has followed for years. Talks to sell popped up back in 2017 but fizzled out after the drag and racing communities banded together to support the track.
The nearest raceway offering similar experiences for drivers is the Sonoma Raceway at 29355 Arnold Drive in Sonoma or the Redding Dragstrip/Redding Motorsports Park at 6750 Old Oregon Trail in Redding — both of which are multiple hours away from Sacramento.
Stay with ABC10 for more information about the sale. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-raceway-could-sell-close-soon/103-d76cfcc2-bdbd-49a7-8371-1e69d083e2f5 | 2023-06-29T23:58:19 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-raceway-could-sell-close-soon/103-d76cfcc2-bdbd-49a7-8371-1e69d083e2f5 |
STOCKTON, Calif. — A six-week-long special undercover operation to remove illegal fireworks in San Joaquin County ended Thursday with 13 arrests, three citations and more than 7,300 pounds of fireworks confiscated.
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, two sergeants and eight deputies began setting up undercover purchases of illegal fireworks six weeks ago.
In addition to seizing 7,381 pounds of fireworks, deputies recovered 586 destructive devices and $27,643 in cash.
During the operation, deputies say they dismantled a butane honey oil lab and seized cannabis, meth, cocaine and various pharmaceuticals allegedly meant for illicit sale.
Firefighters with Cal Fire will incinerate the confiscated fireworks.
All fireworks, including ones carrying the Safe and Sane seal, are illegal to use in unincorporated areas of San Joaquin County.
The cities of Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy and Ripon are the only areas in the county that allow the use of Safe and Sane fireworks.
At least three legal fireworks shows are planned for Stockton on Monday and Tuesday. Click HERE for details.
Watch more Stockton news from ABC10: Stockton business hit with six break-ins in six months | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/san-joaquin-sheriffs-illegal-fireworks-task-force/103-90d0349f-6e2e-4377-837f-c62f0366e78f | 2023-06-29T23:58:25 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/san-joaquin-sheriffs-illegal-fireworks-task-force/103-90d0349f-6e2e-4377-837f-c62f0366e78f |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
California was only going to evade the heat for so long, and the heat is set to return with a bang this holiday weekend.
This weekend will be by far the hottest of the year so far as a strong high pressure system builds into the West Coast.
The 292-day streak of failing to reach 100 degrees in Sacramento is expected to end on Thursday. The state has been treated to a mild, cool spring, which has been vital towards fostering a manageable snowmelt period.
The high temperature on Wednesday was 90 in downtown Sacramento yesterday, which is technically still below average for this time of year.
Thursday is when the warming trend will really ramp up. Widespread 100 degree temperatures are expected on Thursday, with even warmer temperatures expected on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the high pressure parks itself overhead.
Risk of heat illness will be high, in part due to the lack of exposure to heat so far this year. Although temperatures will drop slightly after this weekend, the heat will be sticking around for much of next week including Independence Day.
Whether the plan is to hit the road or stay local, check out the localized forecasts below.
Central Valley
Temperatures are expected to soar near 110 degrees and potentially even higher in certain locations this weekend.
Moderate to extreme heat risk is the main weather story with highs 10-15 degrees above average.
High temperatures will rise to around 105 on Friday and could get close to 110 on Saturday, the peak of the heatwave. Further north in the valley, temperatures will push even higher. The forecast high in Redding is 111 on Saturday.
Highs will drop a few degrees from Saturday to Sunday but will remain very hot, similar to Friday's highs.
The Delta breeze won’t be around this weekend to cool temperatures down all that much at night. Overnight lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s are expected so don't expect much relief, especially on Saturday and Sunday.
High pressure systems are associated with sinking air and low winds, so expect air quality to decrease slightly as a result as well, particularly in areas affected by firework smoke.
Tahoe/Sierra
One of the main features of the weather pattern as of late for the Sierra has been afternoon thunderstorms.
The first half of the week featured some picturesque thunderstorms along the Sierra crest, but the storm activity is expected to die down by this weekend due to the high pressure squashing the instability that helps spark development.
Temperatures are expected in the 70s and 80s in the Sierra. South Lake Tahoe, an extremely popular Fourth of July destination, is forecast to push into the upper 80s.
One of the most dangerous places for heat risk will be in the foothills. When high pressure sits overhead, an inversion sets up in the overnight hours. Clear nights and calm winds allow for overnight temperatures in the valley to drop while temperatures in the foothills above the inversion remain elevated. Lows are expected in the upper 70s in areas within this "thermal belt" and areas below 5,000 feet are forecast to reach 100.
Higher in the mountains, overnight lows are expected to drop into the 50s.
Bay Area/Coast
The coast will be a great spot to escape the heat this weekend.
Cool conditions will be present this weekend along the California coast as the rest of the state bakes. High temperatures in San Francisco are expected to be in the 70s and the mornings will still be dominated by fog up and down the coast, as is usually the case this time of year.
Just a few miles inland in areas like Livermore, highs on Saturday are expected to shoot past 100.
Breezy conditions will be present on Friday but expect winds to calm down on Saturday and Sunday.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/weekend-forecast-dangerous-heat-northern-ca/103-d978d0f2-b04f-4ddb-b1fa-c5936b7b2410 | 2023-06-29T23:58:31 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/weekend-forecast-dangerous-heat-northern-ca/103-d978d0f2-b04f-4ddb-b1fa-c5936b7b2410 |
A Greensboro man was charged with murder early Thursday morning in Kernersville after the shooting deaths of two men, and he is also the suspect in the death of his own father, whose body was found in Greensboro.
Thomas Jackson Gillie, 22, was jailed Thursday on two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder in Forsyth County, according to arrest warrants.
After arresting Gillie in Kernersville, Greensboro police discovered the body of his father, Douglas Lane Gillie Jr., 62, at their home at 5100 Bayberry Lane in Greensboro.
As of late Thursday afternoon, Greensboro detectives had not had the opportunity to interview Gillie, according to a news release from the department.
Kernersville police say they responded at approximately 12:30 a.m. to apartments at 9102 Stafford Country Lane in reference to a shooting and, after arriving, exchanged gunfire with Gillie, who surrendered to police shortly thereafter.
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Officers then found two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds, who both died from their injuries. A female victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
A Kernersville police officer accused Gillie of killing Kevin Dale Smith and Nathaniel Tyshawn Burt on Thursday, according to the warrant. The officer also accused Gillie of attempting to kill Lori Ann Darby and Thomas Allen Doub on Thursday as well, the warrant said.
Kernersville police alerted the Greensboro Police Department at 1:20 a.m. to a potential victim at 5100 Bayberry Lane, which is where officers found Douglas Lane Gillie Jr. dead with a gunshot wound.
Police believe the shooting on Bayberry preceded the shootings in Kernersville, according to a spokeswoman from the Greensboro Police Department.
Gillie was being held Thursday in the Forsyth County Jail with no bond allowed, court records show. Gillie is scheduled to appear Friday in Forsyth District Court.
An assistant manager at Hawthorne the Meadows Apartment Homes, where the shooting took place earlier on Thursday, ordered reporters and photographers to leave the apartment complex Thursday evening out of respect for the residents and the victims. The assistant manager didn’t give her name. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-courts/jackson-gillie-douglas-lane-bayberry-lane-homicide-murder-shooting-greensboro-kernersville-father-son/article_f2d6afb8-16b3-11ee-88db-c7f456428a5d.html | 2023-06-29T23:59:14 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-courts/jackson-gillie-douglas-lane-bayberry-lane-homicide-murder-shooting-greensboro-kernersville-father-son/article_f2d6afb8-16b3-11ee-88db-c7f456428a5d.html |
Salisbury man convicted of murder in 2015 shooting after retrial
After a three-day jury trial presided over by Judge S. James Sarbanes, Delonte Bryant, 29, of Salisbury was found guilty of first-degree murder Wednesday.
Bryant was also found guilty of use of a firearm in a crime of violence and related offenses stemming from an Aug. 3, 2015, shooting incident.
In the late morning hours of Aug. 3, 2015, Bryant approached Dommeir Deshields, 21, in the roadway at the intersection of Anne Street and Railroad Avenue in Salisbury and shot him multiple times at close range, according to prosecutors. Deshields was transported to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, where he was pronounced dead later that day while undergoing surgery for his injuries.
More on previous convictionsSalisbury man sentenced to 30 years in attempted second degree murder case
Bryant was previously convicted in August of 2018. This trial was a retrial of the matter after the Maryland AppellateCourt vacated the original jury verdict and ordered a new trial.
Detective Sergeant Sabrina Metzger of the Maryland State Police was the lead investigator on the case and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney D. Scott Messersmith and Assistant State’s Attorney Darin Ruark prosecuted the case.
More on other retrialsSalisbury man convicted again of second degree murder after new trial | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/salisbury-man-convicted-of-murder-in-2015-shooting-after-retrial/70370692007/ | 2023-06-30T00:02:09 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/salisbury-man-convicted-of-murder-in-2015-shooting-after-retrial/70370692007/ |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — If you're ready to hit the water this holiday weekend, you're probably not the only one.
Arkansas Game and Fish officials expect thousands to head out to the lakes and rivers to celebrate July Fourth, but there's a word of caution before that happens.
"This is by far the biggest boating weekend in Arkansas," Trey Reid with Arkansas Game and Fish said. "With the Fourth falling on a Tuesday, you've got four or five days that people will celebrate."
Adding to that are the states around us. Reid said about 250,000 registered boats in Arkansas, but travelers from nearby states could inflate that.
"You're probably looking at half a million boats on the water this weekend," Reid said.
With heavy traffic on the water, Reid said there are a few simple things to do to stay safe.
"Just pay attention," Reid said. "Just know what's going on around you out there."
Those rules matter no matter the size of the boat.
"We want to supply you with a way to get on the water safely," Rock Town River Outfitters Sam Ellis said. "If you guys are boating on the water this weekend, know your boat, know your capacity for that boat, always have an anchor and bring your life jacket."
In addition, Reid said rules about being intoxicated behind the wheel are just as dangerous if that wheel is connected to a boat.
"Many people like enjoying an adult beverage on the lake," Reid said. "That's fine, just don't drive and drink."
And above all, maybe the most basic reminder – wear a life jacket.
"We've already had 24 boating accidents in Arkansas, eight of those involve fatalities," Reid said. "Many of those could have been prevented by wearing a life jacket."
Reid also tells us that law enforcement will be out on the waterways in force this holiday weekend. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/boating-safety-july-fourth/91-2980a4a4-be2d-43f9-95c8-056092418eea | 2023-06-30T00:04:33 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/boating-safety-july-fourth/91-2980a4a4-be2d-43f9-95c8-056092418eea |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — According to AAA, the heat kills more car batteries than the cold does— and both extremes can even impact the roads we drive on.
At Coleman and Son Automotive in Little Rock, there's been an increase in cars that have gone in for air conditioning service, which is just one example of how heat can wear down your car.
"Coolant leaks, they spring about during this type of weather," Coleman and Son owner, Dee Coleman said.
Coleman has been staying busy fixing the cars impacted by extreme heat.
"There are all types of heat-related problems that come with this type of temperature," he explained.
He said the most common problems involve A/C and overheating.
"Normally you get overheating temperatures on older model cars, cars that are about four or five years older, they will have leaks and they will cause overheating issues. Those are some of the things that you want to keep an eye on," he added.
When it comes to batteries, they typically are made to last 3 to 4 years, but Coleman said that's not always the case during heat like this.
"These extreme conditions can prematurely kill that battery," he said.
If you start to notice any kind of unusual smell or your car is driving differently, he recommends you take it to a professional.
When it comes to the roads we drive on, the heat can also mess up the pavement.
Drivers in Texas have been dealing with road buckling this week because of the high temperatures, but Ellen Coulter with ARDOT said we haven't had a lot of that in Arkansas.
"It hasn't really been an issue. But it certainly can happen," Ellen Coulter with ARDOT said.
She explained that crews prepare for the extreme heat and cold ahead of time to try and prevent road buckling and rutting.
"We have measures in place on putting expansion material in concrete to help it expand and contract a little bit better to prevent that buckling. And we also have different types of oil that we can actually put in the asphalt to help prevent the rutting," Coulter described.
Extreme heat or not, she encourages you to report any road concerns to ARDOT so crews can start fixing them. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/extreme-heat-impact-cars-roads/91-cb04f1f1-fc32-4d66-a697-fe756d796e01 | 2023-06-30T00:04:38 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/extreme-heat-impact-cars-roads/91-cb04f1f1-fc32-4d66-a697-fe756d796e01 |
PITTSBURGH — A second pickle and a Christmas in July celebration have been added to the Picklesburgh plans this year.
According to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, a three-story-tall inflatable Heinz pickle ornament will tower above the Boulevard of the Allies.
The signature balloon seen in past years will fly over PPG Plaza.
Christmas in July attractions include a giant inflatable leg lamp from A Christmas Story and photo ops with the Pirate Parrot in his Santa hat and the nutcracker.
Attendees can also enjoy a taste of the holidays at the Pickled Christmas pop-up bar, which will offer themed cocktails, quick bites and Helmut’s Strudel.
For more information visit picklesburgh.com.
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PITTSBURGH — Concrete and rusty metal are still falling off the California Avenue Bridge despite the City of Pittsburgh installing new netting a few months ago.
“I heard it falling,” said Marcie Kemmler. “And it hits the fence.”
Marcie Kemmler keeps picking up the pieces.
“Some of the cement and the rebar up in the sidewalk is coming down, but a lot of the debris that is falling is from the beams and the metal and the rust,” said Kemmler. “And its bolts. It’s frightening, and it’s heavy metal.”
Her family restaurant, Don’s Diner, sits almost directly under the California Avenue Bridge.
“Up here it’s a nightmare,” said Kemmler. “Everything is all rust.”
Channel 11 first spoke to Kemmler back in January. At that point, she told us she had been fighting for safety improvements for two years. In March 2023, the City of Pittsburgh added this fence to prevent cars from parking underneath the bridge. They also secured this netting under the sidewalks.
“I understand that they can only do so much,” said Kemmler. “They got that net, and believe me, I appreciate it. Everyone in the neighborhood does but that’s not solving anything. It’s just getting worse.”
In certain sections, you can see through the net to the sky where concrete is missing from the sidewalk above. Kemmler says she’s also concerned about the base of the bridge here.
“My main concern is there is a waterfall pouring down that hillside every time it rains,” said Kemmler. “And that hillside is corroding. you touch it, and it just crumbles.”
She hopes someone from the City will take this seriously and would also like to see netting added to the entire length of the bridge.
“I appreciate the small net, but it’s not doing its job,” said Kemmler. “It’s really not.”
The City says the bridge is still scheduled for a full rehab, but construction is not scheduled to start until late 2025. The next routine inspection is set for September.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s officer released the following statement to Channel 11:
“The netting installed in late-February covered the underside of the sidewalks and the gutterline, the areas most impacted by deteriorating metal and concrete, while the truss and deck, which are in fair shape, remained uncovered. It is possible that small particulate could escape capture by the netting or that chipped paint is separating from the uncovered areas.
“The bridge is inspected every six months, with the nets being closely observed and cleaned of material if necessary. The next inspection is scheduled for September 2023. Some upcoming sidewalk work is planned, with of course the full rehab anticipated in 2025. In the meantime, the City continues to monitor the structure closely.”
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PITTSBURGH — Leaders at colleges and universities here and around the country are now looking for new ways to create a diverse student body.
Thursday, the United States Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions.
Students at the University of Pittsburgh said they were surprised by this decision. 11 News also checked in with other local universities to see how this impacts their admissions process.
“The race part of your application shouldn’t really matter that much, you should stand out because of you as a person and your accomplishments, but other people are like, ‘OK, this is so unfair to any other race other than white people,’” said Ananya Chakravarthi, a student at Pitt.
Universities in and around Pittsburgh are starting to react, with the University of Pittsburgh releasing a statement that says diversity enhances success and improves the educational experience.
Plus — their principles remain unchanged and are evaluating the admission practices to ensure they continue to be inclusive, fair, and compliant with the law.
Carnegie Mellon and Duquesne had similar responses.
“I don’t believe it should have been overruled,” said Savannah Lemon, a Pitt student. “I think that it’s fair for people who come from lower-income communities and they are already at a disadvantage to have the opportunity to have the same education as those who had better resources than them growing up.”
Political science expert Kristin Kanthak does think the ruling could play a part in the future of diversity in colleges.
“I think that’s something that higher education needs to take seriously. And needs to do outreach,” Kanthak said.
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TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — A new mural now adorns a wall at the Boys & Girls Club in Tupelo.
The mural shows Amstead Mitchell Strange and Alice Little, two Black educators from Tupelo’s early history.
Jeff Casso designed the mural as part of a community project by Premium Productions and the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute Class of 2021.
"At the Boys & Girls Club where you have majority African-American kids coming to every day,” Premium Productions owner Allen Pegues said, “and they are going to walk past this vibrant piece of art work and they are going to hopefully be inspired."
It’s one way of preserving Black history in Tupelo. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/new-mural-in-tupelo-is-one-way-to-preserve-black-history-in-tupelo/article_51070026-16c6-11ee-a397-f72a7b7d2d01.html | 2023-06-30T00:10:53 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/new-mural-in-tupelo-is-one-way-to-preserve-black-history-in-tupelo/article_51070026-16c6-11ee-a397-f72a7b7d2d01.html |
LOCAL
Coroner seeks relatives of deceased Muncie woman, Daleville man
Douglas Walker
Muncie Star Press
MUNCIE, Ind. — The Delaware County coroner's office is seeking the public’s help in finding family members of two local residents who died in recent days.
Kathy Wilk, 65, who died on June 22, had lived in Muncie since 2010.
Wilk was possibly from the Sarasota, Florida, area, according to Gary Vannatta, Delaware County's chief deputy coroner.
Richard Lee Brattain, also 65, died Thursday.
He had lived most of his life in the Daleville area, and worked at the local Shell Oil station.
Anyone with information on the survivors of Wilk and Brattain is asked to call the coroner's office at 765-747-7724. A voice-mail message can be left if the call is made when the office is not staffed. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/coroner-seeks-relatives-of-deceased-muncie-woman-daleville-man/70370997007/ | 2023-06-30T00:12:57 | 0 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/coroner-seeks-relatives-of-deceased-muncie-woman-daleville-man/70370997007/ |
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Man dies after being electrocuted in jacuzzi at east Phoenix fitness center
Fernando Cervantes Jr.
Arizona Republic
Phoenix police are investigating after a man died from electrocution inside a jacuzzi at an east Phoenix fitness center on Wednesday night.
According to police, around 10:30 p.m. Phoenix police and firefighters were called to a Life Time location near 68th Street and Chauncey Lane. When arriving at the site, they found a man unresponsive inside a jacuzzi that had live wires exposed.
APS shut the power off to the building and the man was pronounced dead in the center.
Officials closed the location for several hours in order to conduct an investigation. Police are still investigating the reason for the exposed live wires near the jacuzzi.
Police did not release the man's identity and further details were not released. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/29/man-dies-after-being-electrocuted-inside-life-time-fitness-jacuzzi/70371258007/ | 2023-06-30T00:13:34 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/29/man-dies-after-being-electrocuted-inside-life-time-fitness-jacuzzi/70371258007/ |
Fourth of July is next week, meaning Kenosha residents across the county will be celebrating Independence Day with parties, fireworks and events this weekend through Tuesday.
Local fire departments and organizations remind residents to keep themselves and others safe, especially around fireworks, sparklers and other holiday pyrotechnics.
Residents should determine which types of fireworks, if any, are allowed under their municipality’s ordinances before setting any off.
Kenosha Fire Prevention Bureau Division Chief Jacob Waldschmidt said thousands of people are injured every year by fireworks. Even sparklers, typically seen as safer, burn in excess of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, roughly the melting point of aluminum.
Waldschmidt said in the city any fireworks that launch into the air, are self-propelled and make loud noises are prohibited. He advised never to allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
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Residents should keep a bucket of water or a garden hose at hand, and only light one firework at a time, and then move to a safe distance after lighting.
He warned residents to never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks, or place any part of their body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Nor should they be pointed or thrown at anyone else.
After fireworks have completed their burn, he recommended dousing them with water before discarding. Residents should also never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Pleasant Prairie
The Pleasant Prairie Fire Department reminded residents in a social media post that setting off fireworks in the village is illegal according to ordinances. The department also warned about potential damage to neighborhood structures.
“We understand that these messages are often met with adverse and sometimes unpopular reactions, but our intent is to keep persons and property safe from debilitating injuries and loss,” the statement said. “Often the loss is encountered not by the persons using the fireworks, but the adjacent neighbor’s property.”
Pets
Both departments warned of the adverse effects on family pets during fireworks use. Stacy Oatman, media coordinator for Wisconsin Humane Society, which newly joined with Safe Harbor Humane Society, reminds pet owners to be extra careful during Fourth of July celebrations.
“Everyone likes to celebrate the Fourth of July, but some of our family members aren’t always as excited,” Oatman said.
She advised owners to have up-to-date tags, microchips and photos in case pets run off because of the loud noises and flashes caused by fireworks.
Oatman said they should think twice before bringing pets outdoors to firework events, where there will likely be many other people, pets and stressors.
“It’s important to know your pet and know their comfort levels,” Oatman said.
If pets are anxious, she recommended putting them in a room or crate they were comfortable with and putting on calming music or a fan for white noise. If they are in a crate, placing a blanket over it can also help.
Otherwise, Oatman said they offer thunder jackets and over-the-counter oral drops to help pet owners.
For those using at-home fireworks, Oatman advised leaving pets indoors, warning of burns to paws and noses of curious and over-excited pets.
“These things can be colorful, and exciting and make noise,” Oatman said. “Pets can be curious and go up to them and get burned.”
With the weather warming, Oatman also warned against leaving pets in vehicles, even for a short time. When using sunscreen or bug repellents, make sure they are pet safe.
Boat responsibly
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds Wisconsin residents to be responsible while boating this weekend by staying sober and wearing a life jacket when they cast off.
According to the department, 80% of fatal boating incidents involve drowning.
“Most people who drown in boating accidents know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water, such as being injured, unconscious, exhausted or weighed down by clothing,” the statement said.
Alcohol use is a leading factor in recreational boating fatalities and the department recommends a designated operator if drinking is planned. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/celebrate-the-fourth-in-safety-area-officials-offer-tips-to-keep-yourself-pets-safe-around/article_ac0494c8-15ce-11ee-9f54-8b0d9a58fecd.html | 2023-06-30T00:14:06 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/celebrate-the-fourth-in-safety-area-officials-offer-tips-to-keep-yourself-pets-safe-around/article_ac0494c8-15ce-11ee-9f54-8b0d9a58fecd.html |
The University of Wisconsin- Parkside’s educational opportunity center alongside its military and veteran success center invite the Kenosha County area community to an event to support veterans.
Bent Compass will feature the impact of veteran experiences July 13. They are encouraging veterans, active-duty service members and anyone who knows, works with or teaches veterans to attend the event.
The event will start at 5:30 p.m. in UW-Parkside’s Wyllie Hall Main Place with a military and veteran resource fair where community organizations will provide information about housing, educational benefits, mental health and other services. There will also be hors d’oeuvres served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. during the resource fair.
Participating organizations among others, include:
The Racine County Veteran Services Office
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The Department of Workforce Development Office of Veteran Employment Services/Disabled Veteran Outreach Program
The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Community Outreach and Suicide Prevention Team
Educators Credit Union
Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin
The Mobile Vet Center
The Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation
UW-Parkside Educational Opportunity Center
UW-Parkside Military and Veteran Success Center
UW-Parkside Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
The event will also highlight “Bent Compass,” a solo theatrical performance by author and performer Neil Brookshire rooted in the experiences of combat medic Colin Sesek at 7 p.m.
Brookshire’s performance will attempt to provide an opportunity to reflect on how past military experiences impact the community’s veterans through Sesek’s stories. The performance will contain strong language and descriptions of war. Following the performance, he will moderate a discussion and workshop focusing on the value of empathetic conversations.
The Bent Compass event is free and open to the public. There will also be free parking at UW-Parkside’s parking lot ‘B,’ outside of the Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities.
They encourage pre-registration online at: uwparkside.qualtrics.com | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/university-of-wisconsin--parkside-to-host-bent-compass-event-to-support-veterans/article_9d100618-1502-11ee-aacc-03e12fe48dfd.html | 2023-06-30T00:14:12 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/university-of-wisconsin--parkside-to-host-bent-compass-event-to-support-veterans/article_9d100618-1502-11ee-aacc-03e12fe48dfd.html |
PHILADELPHIA — The Jersey Shore baseball team scored seven runs on eight hits in the opening four innings Thursday.
Michael DeBlasio cooled off the bats and slowed the momentum, but the damage was already done.
DeBlasio pitched two shutout innings and struck out three for Tri-Cape, but the all-star team lost 8-1 to Jersey Shore in the Carpenter Cup Classic championship at Dick Allen Field at FDR Park. Tri-Cape was outhit 10-4.
Tri-Cape consists of standouts from the Tri-County Conference and the Cape-Atlantic League. It captured the championship the last two years. It was just the second team in the history of the single -elimination tournament, and the first in 30 years, to repeat. Tri-Cape was looking to be the first team to win three straight titles.
DeBlasio is a recent Absegami High School graduate.
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“I was watching what was going around me,” said DeBlasio, who was the second pitcher to enter the game. “I wanted to walk away with a win here. So, I just made sure I spent the entire time warming up and was getting locked in. I was getting a good head speed inside that strike zone. I was doing a really good job staying in that.”
Tri-Cape had won 11 consecutive games since 2021, which coach DJ Gore believes is a record.
“I’m not 100% on that, but I’m pretty sure it’s a tournament record,” said Gore, who is Highland Regional’s coach. "We just ran into a better team (Thursday). We just give credit to Jersey Shore for a job well done.”
Tri-Cape did not score until the eighth inning when Robert Carfango (Highland) singled in Jay Salsbery (Egg Harbor Township), who had singled. Salsbery, a junior who called the experience of competing in the tournament “unbelievable” and hopes to make the team again next summer, walked in the ninth.
Some players have made Tri-Cape the last two years or just last year, but Salsbery and DeBlasio were not on the team in 2022. Tri-Cape played its semifinal Monday at Citizens Bank Park, The final was set for the Phillies’ stadium Tuesday, but the threat of inclement weather postponed the final to Thursday at FDR Park.
DeBlasio was still happy to finish out his high school career this way, and Braves’ coach Junior Meja even attended the championship game to watch him pitch. That meant a lot to DeBlasio, he said.
“I am going to be forever grateful for this experience, and we did get to play in (Citizens Bank Park) for one game, so that was awesome,” said DeBlasio, who is committed to play at Rowan University next spring. “That was an awesome experience, and I’ll never forget that. Obviously, we wanted to walk away with a win here but it happens. It’s baseball. It was great to be here. It was fantastic.”
Salsbery agreed.
“It’s an experience,” the junior said. “Once-in-a-lifetime, you know? And to play at (Citizens Bank Park) and here for the championship, it’s just an unbelievable experience. In the championship, you obviously want to play at Citizens Bank. But this is a nice field, too, and it’s run by the Phillies. It’s always nice to play baseball out here, especially with these guys.”
Tri-Cape was missing some players from its original roster due to scheduling issues and brought in new players, which happens in these games.
The team was without pitchers Tanner Nolan (Gloucester Catholic), Cam Flukey (Egg Harbor Township) and Marco Levari (St. Augustine). Nolan was there Thursday but inactive due to pitch count. Tri-Cape also featured new position players.
“Not having a couple arms probably didn’t help, but at the same time you have to score runs,” Gore said. “Regardless of pitchers we didn’t have, we needed to play better offensively. But give credit to (Jersey Shore’s) pitchers.”
Jersey Shore used seven pitchers. The staff combined for 11 strikeouts and walked just two. Pitcher Brady Lesiak (Southern Regional) got the final out of the seventh inning. Jersey Shore scored two in each of the first, third and fourth innings.
For Tri-Cape, Vinny Davis (Highland) doubled and Austin Dubler singled. CJ Furey (St. Augustine) pitched two innings, struck out four and allowed three runs. After the game, Gore gathered each player in the dugout and thanked them for their contributions and the great experience.
“I think we set a standard of what we like to see and what we hope to continue to do (reaching the championship),” Gore said. “We will hopefully be in the same position this time next year.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/jersey-shore-defeats-2-time-defending-champion-tri-cape-in-carpenter-cup-finals/article_7db5323c-16bc-11ee-8fe8-4f24d5ec62d2.html | 2023-06-30T00:17:35 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/jersey-shore-defeats-2-time-defending-champion-tri-cape-in-carpenter-cup-finals/article_7db5323c-16bc-11ee-8fe8-4f24d5ec62d2.html |
The feeling of becoming a head coach has been surreal for Jose Guzman.
After 10 years as an assistant with the Vineland High School football team, Guzman was tabbed to lead the program after being approved by the Board of Education on June 22. He takes over for Dan Russo, who had led the Fighting Clan since 2013 and stepped down over the winter.
"It's a blessing to be able to do this," Guzman, 45, said. "I love the sport, first and foremost. I respect the sport to the utmost, and I love my kids in Vineland. I mean, they're great kids. We have a group of kids that are very special. A group of courageous kids that are willing to do what it takes to make their points known. I appreciate those kids. Just a great group."
Guzman learned the news when former and current players, family and Russo reached out to him after the decision was made. He said his phone "started going a little nutty."
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"It meant a lot to me," said Guzman, of Egg Harbor Township.
Russo led the Fighting Clan to the first two playoff wins in their history. He finished with a 42-60 record, which includes back-to-back 8-2 seasons in 2016 and 2017. Russo coached players who went on to the NFL, such as Kansas City Chiefs running back and Super Bowl champion Isiah Pacheco and Vegas Vipers offensive lineman Jamil Demby of the XFL.
The Fighting Clan had achieved only one winning season in the 21 years prior to Russo's hiring. The culture he left is "beautiful and is alive and vibrant in Vineland," Guzman said.
"He gave back to his community in the greatest of ways by building that culture back," Guzman said. "And what I'm going to do is keep building from the foundation that he set, along with the generational coaches who have been at Vineland. They have all set their own mark. I'm just going to go ahead an continue my future existence at Vineland based upon all these platforms the gentlemen before me have aid down.
"But Danny has laid down the concrete and solid foundation that is going to last the test of time."
Russo equally praised Guzman, expressing happiness that his longtime assistant got the opportunity to be a head coach. Guzman played football at Hammonton and The College of New Jersey, winning back-to-back New Jersey Athletic Conference titles.
"Coach Guzman will do an excellent job leading the program," Russo said Saturday in a text message. "He is a perfect fit for Vineland. Everyone loves Coach Guzman. … He is a great person and highly respected by everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing him lead the program this fall."
Vineland is coming off three straight losing seasons. Last fall, the Fighting Clan finished 3-9 with a relatively young team. But Vineland will return a lot of talent, including standout wide receiver/defensive back Tyrell Powell. Vineland will also have the leadership of two former NFL players in Dwayne Hendricks (offensive coordinator) and Clifton Smith (defensive coordinator).
The returning players are familiar with Guzman, which will help with the transition. Guzman hopes that will help the players compete at a high level because they already know the coaching staff's commitment, he said.
Guzman said the program is "a tight-knight family" and will be "ready to focus in and show this community what family really means" and they will continue to fight together.
"I'm looking at a group that is willing to do what it takes to further the program along," Guzman said. "I know the 3-9 doesn't sound too appealing to people, however football is more than just wins and losses. We have a great, great coaching staff that I'm honored to be a part of. We have been together, with the addition of a few new pieces, for the most part the duration. Just a great group of guys. Great group of mentors. We will continue to build and make ways for these kids.
"I think these kids are going to rise to the occasion and open a few eyes." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/vineland-hires-new-football-coach/article_624ea788-12a9-11ee-a1dd-33f18325201a.html | 2023-06-30T00:17:42 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/vineland-hires-new-football-coach/article_624ea788-12a9-11ee-a1dd-33f18325201a.html |
May and June were not cold by any stretch, but over the last two months, Richmond has averaged about 2-3 degrees below normal. And the first 90-degree day in Richmond did not occur June 19, with no temperature exceeding 90 degrees for the first four weeks of the month.
Even so, 2023 is still tied with 1990 and 2017 for the second warmest year on record so far.
An unusually persistent wind from the north and northwest kept heat waves away from Virginia, but it also kept it drier than normal until the last couple of weeks of the month.
The recent rains have managed to erase any semblance of a developing drought in Richmond, as rainfall amounts for the month have recovered to near normal over the past couple of weeks. Richmond had seven consecutive days with measurable rain from June 21-27, bringing streamflow back toward normal, and sending drought retreating northward to the Washington suburbs and the lower Rappahannock Valley.
It is all about to change.
The next couple of weeks will be much closer to normal with several days above normal. While a blistering heat wave is not in the offing, temperatures are headed for the upper 80s to lower 90s for most of the first half of July.
Normal highs are in the upper 80s, so that is not much of a shock, but until recently, we have missed any extended periods of especially humid weather. That high humidity is coming back.
This also means the chance for showers and thunderstorms will stay with us, likely keeping us away from a drought, but it also means the cooler nights we had in June will take a back seat for a while. We had been fortunate these last few weeks, as from a climate perspective, summer nights have been trending warmer over the last half-century.
The last couple of days have brought hazy and smoky skies to Virginia. Just like a few weeks ago, the smoke is coming from the wildfires burning across Canada.
Movement and density of the smoke overhead change as large-scale wind patterns shift. When our winds a few miles up in the atmosphere are from the north or northwest, we get waves of that smoke. Sometimes it will be worse than others.
The fires are large and most of them are in remote areas of the Canadian wilderness, away from populated areas. As a result, they will be allowed to either burn themselves out or extinguish naturally by a soaking rain. Some may burn most of the summer, so don’t be surprised if we get smoky skies at least a few more times before the fall.
Fires are naturally occurring events in Canada, but this spring was especially hot and dry for most of the country, making the ground more susceptible to fire and more importantly, primed for the rapid spread of fire.
Fully attributing the smoky skies in Virginia directly to climate change is dicey. However, as the climate warms, vegetation does dry out faster, and wildfires can spread more rapidly, regardless of the ignition source.
And as we have seen, smoke travels hundreds of miles away from the fires themselves, so we should probably expect another smoky spell or two before the end of the summer.
But for Friday through the Fourth, it will be more about the heat and the humidity.
From the Archives: Richmond buildings that are no longer around | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/heat-and-humidity-return-across-richmond-region-this-weekend/article_33f51ca8-16bb-11ee-b8d4-0f780858e451.html | 2023-06-30T00:17:47 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/weather/heat-and-humidity-return-across-richmond-region-this-weekend/article_33f51ca8-16bb-11ee-b8d4-0f780858e451.html |
Summer Learning Camp comes to end for JMCSS students, bridging learning gap
As Summer Learning Camp nears its end for K-5 students of the Jackson-Madison County School System, the looming question is how many of the third-grade students enrolled in summer school will be retained.
Approximately 86 K-5 students are enrolled in Summer Learning Camp at Denmark Elementary School, about one-fifth of the normal school year's population, with kindergarten and third-graders making up the largest groups of students enrolled for SLC.
The program is just a small look at the summer learning camps in progress across the district, trying to boost student performance, especially among third grade students.
Third grade students who performed below grade level on the TCAP ELA exam will yet again take another reading test this week to assess their summer school progress. The scores could hinge upon passing to the fourth grade.
More:Jackson-Madison Co. schools retest 3rd graders in reading as state reports low scores
During the regular school year, Elizabeth Pickens is a fourth-grade science and social studies teacher at Denmark, but during SLC, she acts as one of the two site administrators.
"We know that when kids aren't in school, they lose ground, so for two months out of school, they're going to lose significant ground," Pickens said.
More:Tennessee third-grade reading law: What to know about scores, appeals, rules
Similar to the duration of a normal school day, students begin their day at 8 a.m. and are done at 3 p.m., with two 30-minute breaks for recess and lunch.
Funded by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2021, Summer Learning Camps were established to address learning loss among students during the pandemic.
The free camp, which lasts from June 6 through June 29, acts as a bridge for students who need extra help in preparation for the upcoming school year. Though students who are struggling to achieve proficiency standards are identified to attend summer learning, the camps are also open to any student who would like to attend, according to JMCSS correspondence.
More:Jackson-Madison Co. schools retest 3rd graders in reading as state reports low scores
During the duration of the program, teachers focus on next-grade prerequisites, focused skills, unfinished learning, and grade-level standards, according to the JMCSS.
As the camp enters into its final week, Pickens explains that the testing of students is a crucial component as the program comes to an end.
"We're testing because we've got to see if they grew over the summer, especially with our third-grade students and the new state laws," she said.
Third grade students still vying to advance to 4th grade
According to the new state law, third graders across Tennessee, who fall into two categories, "below" and "approaching" reading proficiency were tagged to retake an English and Language Arts test during a two-week time frame from May 22 to June 5.
Third grade students who did not pass the test have another chance to take a summer school exam to score high enough to advance to fourth grade. JMCSS school leaders say that they the number of third grade students who will be retained is still uncertain until all exam scores are determined after summer school learning.
Following the state Department of Education's release of Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) scores in May, a combined 80.4% of JMCSS third-grade students fell into the "below" or "approaching" proficiency standard for English-Language Arts (ELA).
In a May 22 letter emailed to "families and community stakeholders," JMCSS disclosed that 375 of the 883 third-grade students who took the ELA TCAP test in April are enrolled in Summer Learning Camp, or 42.4% of all third grade students.
Children who score as approaching proficiency must complete one of the following to move on to fourth grade:
- Retest and score on grade level, with a retest window of May 22-June 5, which may vary by district
- Enroll in summer school, meet 90% attendance and show adequate growth (on post summer school test)
- Have a free state-provided tutor for the entirety of fourth grade
The state board of education defined "adequate growth" in a May 19 meeting as a student scoring at least 5 percentage points higher on a post-summer school test than their baseline score. The baseline can be either their initial TCAP English language arts score or their retake score.
More:Third grade TCAP scores 2023: See how Tennessee districts did on crucial test
Pickens noted that SLC teachers are working to meet specific standards in order to ensure proficiency is met for struggling third graders.
"They have a block where they do ELA and I'm sure that our teachers are hitting those standards that they found that were low, especially on that test, so they are reinforcing where kids were showing low," Pickens explained. "So they're not doing a general, they're very specific and targeted."
At this point in time, it is still uncertain how many JMCSS third-grade students are mandated to retake an ELA version of the TCAP exam following summer camp, as well as the number of students exempt from retesting, following requests by The Jackson Sun. | https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/summer-learning-camp-comes-to-an-end-for-jmcss-students-at-denmark/70365304007/ | 2023-06-30T00:25:00 | 0 | https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/summer-learning-camp-comes-to-an-end-for-jmcss-students-at-denmark/70365304007/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-police-investigate-multiple-abductions-and-robberies-involving-white-u-haul-cargo-van/3595539/ | 2023-06-30T00:25:58 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-police-investigate-multiple-abductions-and-robberies-involving-white-u-haul-cargo-van/3595539/ |
Police are searching for a man wanted in connection to at least eight burglaries and attempted burglaries at Philadelphia businesses in a three-day span.
On June 24 at 1:53 a.m., the manager of Oregon Market along the 300 block of Oregon Avenue reported a break-in to police. The manager told investigators an unidentified suspect entered an unlocked door of the business and then entered the Hai Van restaurant by force. The suspect then rummaged through an empty cash register before forcing open the double doors to the Oregon Market and fleeing after the security alarm was activated, police said.
Later that morning, at 3:25 a.m., police responded to a reported vandalism at Johnny Chang’s, a store located along the 2600 block of South Broad Street. Responding officers noticed the glass entry door of the business was broken. The owner of the store told investigators money was taken from the cash register.
Later that morning at 6:45 a.m., police responded to a reported burglary at Sweet Treats Hut along the 1200 block of South Broad Street. Responding officers noticed the front sliding door of the business was damaged and pried open. The store’s manager told investigators the register was missing, money was stolen and an ATM inside was damaged.
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Later that morning, around 10:05 a.m., police responded to an attempted burglary at the Honey Nail Salon along the 200 block of West Oregon Avenue. The owner told investigators she spotted a damaged side door of the business though no one had entered and nothing was taken.
On June 25 at 4:27 a.m., police responded to a reported burglary at Mui Chung Restaurant along the 1100 block of South Broad Street. The manager told investigators the outside doors of the business were removed and money from the cash register as well as two containers of pennies, 50 packages of cigarettes and an unknown amount of Tylenol packets were all stolen.
On June 26 at 2:22 a.m., police responded to a reported burglary at the Harmony Nail Salon and Spa along the 300 block of Oregon Avenue. Police noticed the front door glass was broken and the cash register, which did not contain any money, was stolen.
Later that morning, at 3:33 a.m., police responded to a reported burglary at Main Squeeze Philly along the 2500 block of South Broad Street. The front glass to the store was broken and the cash register containing money was missing, according to investigators.
Finally, at 4:18 a.m. that morning, police responded to a reported burglary at Pizzeria Pesto along the 1900 block of South Broad Street. The front glass door to the business was shattered and the cash register containing money was missing, investigators said.
Police released surveillance photos of the suspect in all eight incidents. He’s described as a Black man between the ages of 35 and 55 with a full beard. During at least one of the incidents he was wearing a black mask, dark colored hooded sweatshirt, gray shirt, black Nike pants, gray and black sneakers with white soles and a watch on his left wrist. He was also carrying a shoulder bag, police said.
If you see the suspect, do not approach him but call 911 immediately. If you have any information on his whereabouts, call or text 215-686-TIPS. You can also call Philadelphia’s South Detective Division at 215-686-3013 or 3014. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-search-for-serial-burglary-suspect-in-philadelphia/3595528/ | 2023-06-30T00:26:04 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-search-for-serial-burglary-suspect-in-philadelphia/3595528/ |
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Local organization Gifts for Kids will be kickstarting its Christmas in July campaign to secure volunteers and donations for the Christmas season.
Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison is among the organization’s supporters.
“This has been a prominent organization in our community for quite some time,” said Morrison. “But we’ve sort of amped up the noise level to make people aware that there are those that need a little extra help and consideration in our community.”
July 23 was selected as the designated Gifts for Kids Day by local government officials and supporters.
“The county commission proclaimed Sunday, July 23 as Gifts for Kids Day in Greenville and Greene County,” Morrison said. “We’re very proud of that. This is the month of action to come and support Gifts for Kids.”
Gifts for Kids President John Tweed said the Christmas in July campaign and Gifts for Kids Day will keep the organization current throughout the year.
“We’re here and we’re starting to prepare for another successful season and looking for support, whether that be fundraising or volunteers,” said Tweed.
Gifts for Kids officials said that they have been giving unforgettable Christmas gifts to Greeneville and Greene County residents for generations.
“Christmas in July is about getting that awareness out there…” Tweed said. “When we start into registration, we will know what the fruit of our effort is around Christmas.”
Volunteer registration for Gifts for Kids is open year-round and toy donations are accepted through the month of July at Food City in Greeneville. Year-round drop-offs can be made at Gifts for Kids permanent location. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/greene-county-supports-christmas-in-july-campaign/ | 2023-06-30T00:27:00 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/greene-county-supports-christmas-in-july-campaign/ |
'Horrific and unfair': Families mourn teens killed in South Salem crash
Days after a pickup rolled on Kuebler Boulevard and ejected passengers riding in the truck bed, the families of two teens are grieving and preparing funeral arrangments.
At about 2 a.m. on June 23, a driver traveling eastbound on Kuebler left the road and hit a light post.
Police have not identified the driver but said five people ranging in age from 15 to 20 were riding in the truck.
Police said the pickup rolled and landed on its top after it struck the light post, causing the two riding in the bed of the truck to be thrown from the vehicle. Emma Leon-Guerrero, 15, and Ian Ramirez-Carlos, 18, the two riding in the back, died at the scene. The three people riding in the front ran, according to police.
Previous coverage:Two killed after being thrown from pickup truck in Friday crash in Salem
The crash has left the families of those killed reeling.
“I don’t understand it," said Kayla Leon-Guerrero, Emma's mother. "There are just a lot of unanswered questions."
What led to the crash; why her daughter, the youngest of the group, was riding in the back; and why her friends ran away from the crash remain a mystery, she said.
She said her daughter, a Sprague High School student, was a loving big sister. She was excited to get her first job this summer at Mcdonald's. She loved art and make-up, crafting beautiful, long-lashed looks.
"She was the light of our life," Leon-Guerrero said. "She was so loved by so many."
She remembered Emma as whip-smart and thoughtful.
"She was the type of kid who would do anything to make you laugh," she said. "She had such a big personality. She was so caring and always thought about other people before herself."
A GoFundMe created in the days after the crash to help her family pay for the funeral quickly raised thousands of dollars.
Emma's father, Johnathon Etzel, said Emma had only been able to work a few shifts of her first job. The day she died, she had just gotten her first paycheck and was eager to visit Fred Meyer with her grandma to cash it.
"She's going to be missed so much," he said.
He said Emma loved her two cats, one of which she'd had since she was a baby, her older brother and younger siblings, and her aunt, who was like a sister to her.
Her aunt, Coralyn DeBow, said Emma was excited to turn 16.
"All she wanted was for me to make her ratatouille and homemade chocolate chip cookies for her birthday," DeBow said. "I am planning to still do this and I hope that she will know that I love her deeply."
She said she will forever miss her niece coming home and calling for her "auntieee" in a sing-songy voice.
"Emma was the most genuine person in every relationship she shared," DeBow said. "She would make you feel loved and cared for. The loss is immeasurable and I never once thought I’d lose her. We were planning for when we were older and how we would share our time together. Emma had been connected to me her whole life; I will think of her every day for the rest of my life."
'A tragic and sudden loss'
The crash also killed Ian Ramirez-Carlos.
According to Salem-Keizer Public Schools, he previously attended North Salem High School.
A photo on a GoFundMe page created for his family shows the 18-year-old dressed in a tie and holding a "Congrats grad" bouquet.
"On June 23, 2023, our family was devastated and our hearts are in pieces by the tragic and sudden loss of my nephew," wrote Ian's uncle.
He said Ian was a beloved and amazing son, nephew, cousin and friend.
"We love him and don't know how we will live without him," he wrote. "This is not something a mother should ever have to go through. There is a void forever in our hearts."
Investigation into crash still underway
The three survivors of the crash, age 20, 17 and 16, fled the scene.
Police said a K9 police team found all three nearby. They were taken to Salem Health.
Police said the investigation remains underway. No charges have been filed in Marion County Circuit Court as of Thursday.
DeBow said it feels like the crash showed carelessness and disregard for human life.
"Emma was taken in the most horrific and unfair circumstances," she said. "She did not know the driver of the vehicle and her friend is the one that dragged her along. She had been texting her boyfriend that she wanted to go home and that they were driving so fast that she feared for her safety."
She said Emma had been up since early that morning, worked an eight-hour shift and wanted to spend the night watching shows with her friends. "Emma was just learning to grow up and was loving life," DeBow said. "One mistake that wasn’t even her fault should not have robbed her of her chance to be her lovable self."
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter at @wmwoodworth | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/salem-oregon-sprague-south-north-families-mourn-teens-killed-in-truck-crash/70357810007/ | 2023-06-30T00:30:57 | 0 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/salem-oregon-sprague-south-north-families-mourn-teens-killed-in-truck-crash/70357810007/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/evacuations-ordered-near-storage-fire-in-palo-pinto-county/3287276/ | 2023-06-30T00:39:25 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/evacuations-ordered-near-storage-fire-in-palo-pinto-county/3287276/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/nonprofit-hosts-theater-camp-for-actors-who-are-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/3287287/ | 2023-06-30T00:39:45 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/nonprofit-hosts-theater-camp-for-actors-who-are-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/3287287/ |
North Texas Performing Arts, headquartered in the Willow Bend Center for the Arts, is making theater accessible for people in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
"We're trying to support a vision that enables every child to take the stage," NTPA CEO Darrell Rodenbaugh said. "We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to have their voice heard on stage."
On Friday, the new NTPA Deaf Theatre will open its inaugural full-length production, Deaf Theatre Showcase: A Union of Hands and Voices.
"I've been watching and hearing people act for such a long time over the years growing up. Now, I'm finally involved in something like that," NTPA Deaf Theatre performer Alley Farley said. "It really gives me a sense of pride and a sense of accessibility."
Ally was helping with the NTPA Deaf Theatre Production Camp, which allows kids who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience acting and more.
"For deaf and hard of hearing students, oftentimes they feel separated or isolated like they're part of a different world and they're not part of the hearing world," camp director Daymond Sands said. Sands is also deaf. "This camp is really designed to help expose them to the idea that they're not alone and that they can do anything but hear."
This is the second year of the children's camp. The campers will also do a showcase during the NTPA Deaf Theatre's performance this weekend.
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"This is an opportunity for deaf actors to take the stage for both the hearing and the deaf public to see a program for the deaf, by the deaf, but also available to the hearing public," Rodenbaugh said.
"We want the broader communities to understand that we can do anything," Sands said. "We're not lesser. We're equal."
The NTPA Deaf Theatre Production Camp is a collaboration between North Texas Performing Arts, Broadway Dallas, and UT Dallas Callier Center. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-performing-arts-makes-theater-accessible/3287252/ | 2023-06-30T00:39:49 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-performing-arts-makes-theater-accessible/3287252/ |
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